This richly illustrated book showcases a magnificent range of classical art from the world-famous collections of the British Museum. Beginning with prehistoric Greece and continuing through the classical period and the Roman empire until the reign of Constantine the Great, it features a special selection of 160 of the most beautiful and important works of art, including not only internationally famous items such as the Parthenon Frieze but also a wealth of lesser-known but equally significant or attractive pieces from Greece, Italy and Cyprus. Each work is illustrated, many with new photographs specially commissioned for this book and often with close-up details. Brief historical introductions provide the background and context for each period. The accompanying text tells the fascinating story of each piece and gives unique insights into its particular features. From Cycladic figures and Mycenaean gold to the Parthenon sculptures and the Warren Cup, this handsome book provides an overview of the arts of the Greek and Roman world as well as a close look at the masterpieces of the British Museum's classical collections.