Hybris is today amongst the most often used and indeed misused terms from Ancient Greece, but it is central to an understanding of Greek literature and society. The purpose of this book is to examine in detail exactly what it means. Dr Fisher traces the use of the concept in literature and law from the time of Homer to that of Plato. He finds throughout that the essence of hybris is the deliberate infliction of dishonour and shame upon others. It is not, as commonly thought, a special form of pride or self-confidence which offends the gods and is characteristic of tragic heroes. Dr Fisher's thorough and thoughtful treatment of this concept aims to be a a standard work for many years to come.

This is an authoritative and clearly written account of the main issues involved in the study of Greek slavery from Homeric times to the fourth century BC. It provides valuable insights into the fundamental place of slavery in the economies and social life of classical Greece, and includes penetrating analyses of the widely-held ancient ideological justifications of slavery. A wide range of topics is covered, including the development of slavery from Homer to the classical period, the peculiar form of community slaves (the helots) found in Sparta, economic functions and the treatment of slaves in Athens, and the evidence for slaves' resistance. Throughout the author shows how political and economic systems, ideas of national identity, work and gender, and indeed the fundamental nature of Greek civilisation itself, were all profoundly affected by the fact that many of the Greek city-states were slave societies. With 12 illustrations.