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Radical Antiquity: Free Love Zoroastrians, Farming Pirates, and Ancient Uprisings [Mīkstie vāki]

  • Formāts: Paperback / softback, 320 pages, height x width x depth: 198x129x23 mm, 1 Maps; 6 Figures
  • Izdošanas datums: 20-Sep-2025
  • Izdevniecība: Pluto Press
  • ISBN-10: 0745350399
  • ISBN-13: 9780745350394
  • Formāts: Paperback / softback, 320 pages, height x width x depth: 198x129x23 mm, 1 Maps; 6 Figures
  • Izdošanas datums: 20-Sep-2025
  • Izdevniecība: Pluto Press
  • ISBN-10: 0745350399
  • ISBN-13: 9780745350394
A groundbreaking history of radically democratic societies in antiquity


When you think of Ancient Greece and Rome, what do you see? The Acropolis and the Colosseum? Perhaps the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle and the rule of the Caesars? Or the birth of democracy and the vast reach of an empire? This well-trodden history of great thinkers, military leaders, and early state formation in the classical world still enthralls us, but it tells only half the story… 

How democratic was Athenian democracy? How much power did states wield beyond their city walls? And who looked upon the systems of domination that prevailed and sought to create something different?

Radical Antiquity takes you on a unique journey in search of anarchy, statelessness, and social experimentation in the Graeco-Roman world. Sweeping across the Mediterranean from the time of the first Olympic Games in 776 BCE until the emergence of Islam in 610 CE, Christopher B. Zeichmann introduces the reader to communities of escaped enslaved people, pirates, and religious sects—all of whom sought a more egalitarian way of life that avoided the coercion, hierarchy, and exploitation of the state. 

This history from below brings the experiences of ordinary and marginal people out of obscurity and radically expands our understanding of social and political life in the classical world.

Recenzijas

'Despite humanitys egalitarian origins, hierarchical societies must depict anarchism as chaotic and unworkable. Unearthing the ancient worlds anarchist cultures, Zeichmann presents a compelling argument that authority may itself have always been the real aberration. Highly recommended' -- Alan Moore, writer, activist, performer 'An inspirational masterpiece. This breathtakingly original account of experiments with anarchy in the ancient world will transform the way you think about the Classical world, about history in general, and about the possibilities for human liberty' -- William Arnal, Professor, Department of Religious Studies, University of Regina 'Anarchy is not a dream but a way of life. Zeichmann provides fascinating accounts of these ancient anti-hierarchical movements and communities, while never losing his critical edge. Wonderfully informative and a pleasure to read' -- Uri Gordon, Editor, Freedom 'A rigorous, engaging history of communities and movements throughout the ages that resisted dominant ruling orders and organized themselves around more egalitarian principles. This history is essential for anyone seeking to understand the breadth of humanity's yearning for emancipation and solidarity' -- Roman A. Montero, author of All Things in Common: The Economic Practices of the Early Christians and Jesuss Manifesto: The Sermon on the Pain

Introduction: Radical Potential within Ancient Democracy

1. The Quest for Freedom: Spartacus and the Slave Community at Thurii

2. Communities of Jewish Radicalism: The Therapeutae and Essenes

First Interlude. Anatolian Anarcho-Primitivists: The Region of Phrygia

3. Against a Dog-Eat-Dog World: Cynic Philosophers

4. Zoroastrian Polygamists: The Mazdakites

Second Interlude. Life in the Northern Periphery: The Sįmi People

5. "Forgive Us Our Debts": The Circumcellions

6. Self-Governance on the Open Sea: Cilician Pirates

Third Interlude. Living in the Ruins: The Fall of Rome in Britannia

Conclusion: The Ghost of Spartacus

Index

Discussion Questions
Christoper B. Zeichmann teaches history and religious studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. He is the author of The Roman Army and the New Testament and Queer Readings of the Centurion at Capernaum.