Radical Antiquity, livre ebook

“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 … Will transform the way you think about history, and the possibilities for human liberty” William Arnal, Professor, University of Regina

“Wonderfully informative and a pleasure to read” Uri Gordon, editor, Freedom

When you think of Ancient Greece and Rome, what do you imagine? The Acropolis and the Colosseum? Perhaps the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, and the rule of the Caesars? 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… 

Radical Antiquity takes you on a journey in search of anarchy, statelessness, and social experimentation in the Graeco-Roman world. Sweeping across the Mediterranean from the time of the first Olympic Games until the emergence of Islam, Christopher B. Zeichmann tells the stories of escaped slaves, pirates, and religious sects—all of whom sought a more egalitarian way of life. This history from below brings the experiences of common and marginal people out of obscurity, and radically expands our understanding of social and political life in the classical world.

Christoper 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.

Introduction: Radical Potential within Ancient Democracy
1. The Quest for Freedom: Spartacus and the Slave Community at Thurii
2. Communities of Jewish Radicalism: The Therapeutae and Essenes
First Interlude. Anatolian Anarcho-Primitivists: The Region of Phrygia
3. Against a Dog-Eat-Dog World: Cynic Philosophers
4. Zoroastrian Polygamists: The Mazdakites
Second Interlude. Life in the Northern Periphery: The Sámi People
5. "Forgive Us Our Debts": The Circumcellions
6. Self-Governance on the Open Sea: Cilician Pirates
Third Interlude. Living in the Ruins: The Fall of Rome in Britannia
Conclusion: The Ghost of Spartacus
Index
Discussion Questions