Biographies of 325 important personages who flourished in ancient times. Coverage is worldwide, with the largest numbers of personages associated with Rome and Greece, but also including many from Asia, northern Europe, Egypt and other parts of Africa, Asia Minor and the Middle East.

A comprehensive volume of reference with contributions from over 600 scholars, this book improves with each edition. It was published first in French, and with each new edition there have been additions to the contents. It addresses political and economic features as well as religion, the history of ideas and cultural developments, and progress in technology and the superb artistic achievements of the time. It justly claims to provide `a magisterial sweep' with `a fresh approach' ensuring its constant use as a modern work of reference.

Authoritative companion to the Renaissance, covering not only Italy but developments in the arts, sciences, and ideas across Europe.