Theories, Models and Concepts in Ancient History

The place of 'theory' in the study of the past is controversial. According to some historians, the use of ideas and concepts from disciplines like economics and sociology produces anachronistic and distorted accounts. Others argue that all historians make use of generalizations about human nature and the workings of society - in other words, some sort of 'theory' - but that most are unconscious of the assumptions on which their accounts of the past depend.
This book explores the use of theories, models and concepts in ancient history, focusing on examples of explicitly theoretical accounts that have implications for all historical interpretations. It offers an introduction to a wide range of issues in the interpretation of historical evidence, considering the ways in which historians' assumptions and generalizations should be evaluated. It then surveys a range of ideas and theories relating to such topics as ancient social structure, the ancient economy, the environment, gender and sexuality, myth and rationality, considering how such theories have been used in the study of ancient history and how they might change historians' views of the past.

Morley's book offers the first accessible guide for students to show how theories, models and concepts have been applied to ancient history. Showing readers how they can use theory to interpret historical evidence for themselves, as well as to evaluate the work of others, the book includes a survey of key ideas and theories on a wide range of ancient historical topics including society and economy, the environment, gender and sexuality, and myth and rationality. Also including a helpful annotated guide to further reading on all the topics covered, students will not want to miss out on this essential guide to the ancient world.

Contents:1) Approaches2) Ancient and Modern3) The Limits of the Possible4) Class and Status5) A Sense of Identity6) Myth and ReasonAfterword: Speaking TheoryGuide to Further ReadingBibliographyIndex

Neville Morley is a senior lecturer in ancient history at the University of Bristol. His research interests are in ancient economic history, the city of Rome, ancient and modern historiography and historical theory. He is the author of Metropolis and Hinterland; the city of Rome and the Italian economy and Writing Ancient History, and is editor of Ancient History: Key themes and Approaches.