The golden age of ancient Greek civilization, the Classical period, lasted from 490 to 336 BC and saw an unmatched multiplication of varied talents and genuis within so limited a period. This book concentrates on the individuals in the cultural, social, artistic and political history of this time, who shaped their own and future civilizations. Grant places the work of Sophocles, Aristophanes, Herodotus, Aristotle, the architect and sculptors of the Parthenon, Philip II of Macedonia and many others in their historical context and asks what gave rise to such outstanding achievement in the cultural, philosophical, scientific and literary spheres.