Turning a page on Greek civilization

However, despite the efforts of scholars and artists over the past century, Greece appeared strange to the Chinese public due to language barriers, cultural differences and geographical distance, she says. Since the 21st century, as more young Chinese people study the Greek language, things have changed.

Published in the Greek language in 2021 and becoming a best-seller, How to Fit All of Ancient Greece in an Elevator was written by acclaimed archaeologist Theodore Papakostas. A whistle-stop tour through the history of ancient Greece from the Old Stone Age more than 3.5 million years ago to 323 BC, the book starts with two strangers meeting in a trapped elevator, one of whom is an archaeologist.

The book is a good read for Chinese people to learn about ancient Greek civilization, Luo says.

"Instead of textbook-style narration, the author uses a more comprehensible language for common readers to trace the origins of ancient Western civilization in humorous Socratic dialogues," she says.

"It invites readers to think — how do those spectacular ancient bygones relate to us today."

The author skillfully weaves together significant historical facts, the science of archaeology and frequent flashbacks to the everyday lives of ordinary people. This creative approach provides readers an accessible introduction to a vast and otherwise challenging subject.

"The book offers readers, who may not be knowledgeable in the history of the West, the impetus to seek for themselves, based on (historical) milestones, more information about Greek prehistoric and ancient civilization which, to a large extent, has shaped the modern era," said Evgenios Kalpyris, Greek ambassador to China, at the event.