The political and cultural flourishing of ancient Greece is one of the most fascinating periods in human history. Incorporating new political and economic perspectives, Josiah Ober has crafted an eye-opening, new comprehensive account and interpretation of classical Greece. He narrates the story of the rise and fall of ancient Greece in an exciting new way as "big history." Ober addresses the highly relevant question of the performance and success of states in the context of a modern universal history for the 21st century. Impressively and with contemporary references, he demonstrates how economic growth, a high degree of equality, and civic participation enabled the unique culture of the Hellenes. This creates a completely new image of ancient Hellas.