Archaic Greece by Anthony Snodgrass

Another scholarly overview of the Archaic Period of Greek history, this short read examined some of the macro developments for the era.  Snodgrass posits that the Archaic Period deserves equal examination as that of the later, much-better documented Classic period.

I particular appreciated some of his data-centric findings (brought to life in vivid charts), such as the exponential rise in Attic population during the mid to late 8th century BC, as well as the significant shift in use of bronze during the same period: Seemingly at the turn of a switch, the population of many Greek city-states stopped burying bronze items with their deceased and started donating them to religious sanctuaries.

Snodgrass posits radical advances during the both the early (8th century BC) and late (6th century BC) stages of the Archaic Period, with a levelling off in the middle (7th century BC).

He makes a convincing case for the unsung importance of the Archaic, with examinations across a range of developments including sculpture, vase paintings, religion, trade, governance and military weaponry.