Description

‘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

When you think of Ancient Greece and Rome, what do you see? The Acropolis and the Colosseum? Perhaps the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, and the rule of the Caesars? Or the birth of democracy and the vast reach of an empire? 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…

How democratic was Athenian democracy? How much power did states actually wield beyond their city walls? And who looked upon the systems of domination that prevailed and sought to create something different?

Radical Antiquity takes you on a unique 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 in 776 BCE until the emergence of Islam in 610 CE, Christopher B. Zeichmann introduces the reader to communities of escaped slaves, pirates, and religious sects-all of whom sought a more egalitarian way of life that avoided the coercion, hierarchy, and exploitation of the state.

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.

Publisher Review

‘Despite humanity’s egalitarian origins, hierarchical societies must depict anarchism as chaotic and unworkable. 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. This breathtakingly original account of experiments with anarchy in the ancient world will transform the way you think about the Classical world, about history in general, and about the possibilities for human liberty’ — William Arnal, Professor, Department of Religious Studies, University of Regina ‘Anarchy is not a dream but a way of life. Zeichmann provides fascinating accounts of these ancient anti-hierarchical movements and communities, while never losing his critical edge. Wonderfully informative and a pleasure to read’ — Uri Gordon, Editor, Freedom ‘A rigorous, engaging history of communities and movements throughout the ages that resisted dominant ruling orders and organized themselves around more egalitarian principles. This history is essential for anyone seeking to understand the breadth of humanity’s yearning for emancipation and solidarity’ — Roman A. Montero, author of All Things in Common: The Economic Practices of the Early Christians and Jesus’s Manifesto: The Sermon on the Pain