Question RE: Pausanias - Description of Greece

Hello everyone!

First of all, I'm new here, so I apologize in advance if I am unaware of certain rules or if the question has already been asked. Although I think both issues will not apply.

I recently started to read Pausanias' Description of Greece (Loeb Classical Library Edition). While these books promise the best translation (debatable, I know) and are generall very good, I feel like I am missing out on some extra information.

This is why I was looking to buy a more heavily annotated version of Pausanias. Amazon and some other websites suggest I buy the Penguin version (of course), but I have had some bad experiences with them since I usually feel like they are either outdated or not live up to their promises.

So my question to this lovely forum was this one: does anybody have any good experiences either with the Penguin version or another heavily annotated version of Pausanias' Description of Greece.

To be specific, I am looking for a version which frames the mythological and historical parts of the book better. And, even more important, gives a clear archeological overview of which sights have / have not survived to the present day and where they can be found in modern times (modern names of places / regions / towns / etc.).

I know it's a pretty specific question but usually I can manage to find answers easily by just google'ing things. But this is more difficult since the best option I'm given so far is Penguin. So I hope somebody on here can help me!

Thank you in advance! :smile5:

No one has any idea? Somebody who has read the Penguin version then? Or does no one read Pausanias anymore? :nono:

:)

You will not find too many Pausanius experts. When I read him for my Greek archaeology course, I used the Loeb edition. When it comes to ancient texts such as this, I agree with your skepticism. As for a better edition, I'm not sure if one exists in English.

Thank you for your reply. I guess I'll try the Penguin ones, since there are not too many options available. Too bad there is not too much information online. I'll have to dig my own way out :)

That's the classical way of it. Or teach yourself French because there are a few better options out there. Or German, there is A great German version.

I actually know French and German. So I will be happy to hear about these versions.