Radical Antiquity
Free Love Zoroastrians, Farming Pirates, and Ancient Uprisings
$34.39
- Paperback
320 pages
- Release Date
8 December 2025
Summary
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 enthralls us still, but it tells only half the story…
How democratic was Athenian democracy? How much power did states actually wield beyond their ci…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780745350394 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0745350399 |
| Author: | Christopher B. Zeichmann |
| Publisher: | Pluto Press |
| Imprint: | Pluto Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 320 |
| Release Date: | 8 December 2025 |
| Weight: | 286g |
| Dimensions: | 23mm x 129mm x 198mm |
Critics Review
‘Despite humanity’s egalitarian origins, hierarchical societies must depict anarchism as chaotic and unworkable. Unearthing the ancient world’s 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 Jesus’s Manifesto: The Sermon on the Pain‘Whatever your brand of politics, this charming book is an unusually exciting and memorable text and the inclusion of very up-to-date reading lists only adds to the sense that further discoveries are yet to come. Very much recommended.’
– Morning StarChristopher B. Zeichmann
Christopher 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.
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