New Books Network Tony Spawforth, "What the Greeks Did for Us" (Yale UP, 2023)
Jan 1, 2026
Tony Spawforth, Emeritus Professor of Ancient History at Newcastle University, dives deep into the lasting impact of ancient Greece on today's world. He reveals how Greek culture informs concepts like 'pandemic' and societal norms, discussing the complexities of ethnicity and the misuse of Greek ideals, such as 'natural slavery.' Spawforth breaks down the influence of Greek rhetoric, sexuality, and art on modern thought while cautioning against oversimplifications. His insights illuminate how this ancient society continues to shape our contemporary landscape.
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Early Spark And Publisher Prompt
- Tony Spawforth traces his interest in the past to childhood graveyard inscriptions and early study of ancient Greek at school.
- He says Yale proposed both the book project and its title, which he accepted to explore a 'warts-and-all' legacy of Greece.
Thematic Approach To Living Legacy
- Spawforth argues thematic chapters better sample how Greek culture persists across areas like sports, rhetoric, and architecture.
- He intentionally focuses on the Anglosphere and Western reception rather than a global, exhaustive history.
Ethnicity Framed By Climate And Conflict
- Ancient Greeks were preoccupied with ethnic differences and often judged Asians after Persian wars as inferior for climatic and cultural reasons.
- Such ancient theories tied climate to political and moral traits rather than skin colour.