Ancient Literacy

This is an examination of how many people could read and write in the ancient world of the Greeks and Romans. Harris traces the partial transition to written culture, demonstrating continued reliance on oral communication. He explores the role of literacy as an instrument of power, indispensable to builders of empires, and as a political weapon for the minority who could read and write. In addition, he looks at the role of writing in the new religious culture of the late Roman Empire, in which it was more revered than practiced.