600- 337 B.C.
Classical Greece was a time of incredible cultural, intellectual, and political growth. This period saw the rise of city-states like Athens and Sparta, which became centers of philosophy, democracy, and military power. Great thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaped Western thought, while artists and architects created iconic structures like the Parthenon. The era was also marked by conflicts such as the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, which influenced Greek society and politics. (Find books about Ancient Greek mythology and epics here.)
Picture books
How the Olympics Came To Be
Introduction to the ancient Olympics, with objects from the British Museum
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Sky Cloud City
Fun retelling of a famous ancient Greek play
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Aesop’s Fables
Collection of fables by Greek story-teller Aesop
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See Inside Ancient Greece
Lift-the-flap picture collection showing ancient Greek life
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The Corinthian Girl: Champion Athlete of Ancient Olympia
Inspiring story of a real ancient Greek athlete
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Chapter books
Game On in Ancient Greece (Time Travel Guides)
Fun story of time-traveling kids exploring ancient Greece
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Stories from Herodotus
Charming retellings of famous stories from the Greek historian
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The Arkadians
Exciting story of three kids on a journey, inspired by ancient Greek mythology
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Ancient Greece: An Interactive History Adventure
Choose-your-own-adventure book set in ancient Greece
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Non-fiction books
Ancient Greece (Eyewitness Book)
Comprehensive overview of ancient Greece with great photos
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The Ancient Greek World
Thorough overview for middle and upper-grade readers, with primary sources
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Where Is the Parthenon?
Detailed, comprehensive intro to the Parthenon
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So You Think You Have It Bad? A Kids Life in Ancient Greece
Explanation of life as an ancient Greek kid
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Why did the ancient Greeks ride elephants into battle?
Engaging question-and-answer book about ancient Greek life
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The Usborne Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece
Another great reference, with relevant website links
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Ancient Greece (True Book – Ancient Civilizations)
Accessible intro to ancient Greek history and culture
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You Wouldn’t Want to Be in the Ancient Greek Olympics!
Humorous guide to the ancient Olympics
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The Greeks (How They Made Things Work)
Explanations of ancient Greek technology
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You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Slave in Ancient Greece!
Cheeky guide to ancient Greek slavery
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Biographies
Wise Guy: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates
Cheerful introduction to the famous Greek philosopher
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The Librarian Who Measured the Earth
Excellent introduction to an ancient Greek polymath and his work
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What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras?
Engaging adventure starring a young Pythagoras
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Sappho: The Lost Poetess
Lovely introduction to the Greek poet
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Archimedes and the Door of Science
Exploration of the life and work of a famous Greek mathematician and inventor
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Activities
Ancient Civilizations: Greeks!
Activities inspired by ancient Greek life
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Tools of the Ancient Greeks
Introduction to ancient Greek innovations and discoveries, with activities
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Find Tom in Time: Ancient Greece
Like Where’s Waldo, but find Tom in ancient Greek scenes
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Make This Greek Temple
Cut-out model of a Greek temple
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Classical Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in Ancient Greece and Rome
Activities inspired by ancient Greece and Rome
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