Unravel how language shaped ancient power, diplomacy, and travel.
This study examines how interpreters moved through the courts, armies, and markets of Greece, Persia, and Rome, influencing decisions and outcomes.
In a clear, accessible survey, the author traces real moments when language created or blocked understanding. From Thucydides and Xenophon to Herodotus and beyond, you’ll see how interpreters affected negotiations, military commands, and daily exchanges across cultures.
- Learn how interpreters operated in key historical episodes
- See why language could be as important as strategy in diplomacy
- Discover the challenges of translation in ancient armies and courts
- Explore the authors’ discussion of when interpreters helped—and when they didn’t
Ideal for readers of classical history, linguistics, or any interest in cross‑cultural contact in antiquity.