Book Description

The thrust of the eighth volume of Professor Pritchett's topographical studies is on Demosthenes' Amphilochian campaign in 426 BC, described in the closing chapters of Thucydides Book III, with suggested identifications for the sites of the battles of Olpai and Idomenai. Included is a commentary on the Thucydidean text, dealing with such problems as Thucydidean seasons, Demosthenes' generalship, and the marching time of armies. This study is followed by a survey of sites in northeastern Akarnania, probably the best preserved walls of any province in Greece. The author argues that these were not "open" cities in the late fifth and early fourth centuries, offering comments on the use of siegecraft and scalingladders in Greek warfare. The position of gates in several enceintes prove that the road structure in the mountains of Akarnania was quite different from that of modern roads. The volume concludes with a study of sites east of Thermopylai and in the Parnon range.