This book provides an introduction to the complex world of the ancient societies of the Aegean, offering general insights into the Aegean civilisations of the Minoans, the Mycenaeans, the Trojans of the Bronze Age, and the later Classical Greeks. With regard to the latter, the book explores their history against the might of Persia and the strife and tribulations between their own Greek city states – particularly Athens and Sparta. It also shows how Classical Greece made use of the Homeric heroes of the Mycenaean period in its literature and drama to reflect upon its own ancient heritage.