Book Reivew: Discontinuity in Greek Civilization by Rhys Carpenter

The first time I read this collection of three short lectures (and a forward and afterward), I didn't expect it to start out with references to Atlantis. The first lecture points toward the island of Thera as a possible location for a place that became the myth of Atlantis. I'd heard this possibility before, and was only surprised because I didn't expect it.

The other two lectures, though, cover something nearly as mythical -- the fall of the Mycenaeans and the Dorian invasion. Carpenter's discussion of climate change, wind shifts and drought seem to explain the oddness that accompanied the Dorians entrance into Greece. It is important to note that the Dorians are also sometimes referred to as the Heraklids -- the descendents of Heracles -- and that they believed they were returning home.

The Mycenaens were apparently already gone from the scene by the time they arrived, and many of the locations abandoned without sign of destruction. The signs of drought appear in other areas as well, and Carpenter's study of meteorology makes a reasonable answer to a perplexing problem.

Though at times it seems a bit repetitious, with less than 100 pages, this little book is a treasure of interesting information and well-worth a quick read.

The first time I read this collection of three short lectures (and a forward and afterward), I didn't expect it to start out with references to Atlantis. The first lecture points toward the island of Thera as a possible location for a place that became the myth of Atlantis. I'd heard this possibility before, and was only surprised because I didn't expect it.

The other two lectures, though, cover something nearly as mythical -- the fall of the Mycenaeans and the Dorian invasion. Carpenter's discussion of climate change, wind shifts and drought seem to explain the oddness that accompanied the Dorians entrance into Greece. It is important to note that the Dorians are also sometimes referred to as the Heraklids -- the descendents of Heracles -- and that they believed they were returning home.

The Mycenaens were apparently already gone from the scene by the time they arrived, and many of the locations abandoned without sign of destruction. The signs of drought appear in other areas as well, and Carpenter's study of meteorology makes a reasonable answer to a perplexing problem.

Though at times it seems a bit repetitious, with less than 100 pages, this little book is a treasure of interesting information and well-worth a quick read.