In Twelve Greeks and Romans Who Changed the World, Carl J. Richard brings to life a group of men whose contributions fundamentally altered western society. In this compelling narrative, readers encounter a rich cast of characters, including eloquent Homer, shrewd Pericles, fiery Alexander, idealistic Plato, ambitious Caesar, dedicated Paul, and passionate Augustine. As he vibrantly describes the contributions of the individuals, Richard details the historical context in which each lived, showing how these men influenced their world and ours.

Carl J. Richard is associate professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and author of The Founders and the Classics: Greece, Rome, and the American Enlightenment.

Chapter 1 PrefaceChapter 2 IntroductionChapter 3 Homer: Founder of Western LiteratureChapter 4 Thales: Founder of Western ScienceChapter 5 Themistocles: Defender of Greek CivilizationChapter 6 Pericles: Democratic ReformerChapter 7 Plato: Founder of Western PhilosophyChapter 8 Alexander the Great: Disseminator of Greek CultureChapter 9 Scipio Africanus: Defender of the Roman RepublicChapter 10 Julius Caesar: Destroyer of the Roman RepublicChapter 11 Cicero: Statesman, Philosopher, and Republican MartyrChapter 12 Augustus: Founder of the Roman EmpireChapter 13 Paul of Tarsus: Christian EvangelistChapter 14 Augustine: Christian TheologianChapter 15 Brief Bibliographical Suggestions for General Readers