This book introduces young readers to ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks introduced democracy, the theater, science and philosophy to the civilized world but life on the Mediterranean peninsula could also be cruel and violent. Many of the country's estimated 2,000 city-states were constantly at war, particularly the two largest: Athens and Sparta. These longtime enemies eventually fought a conflict that would last 27 years, weakening the entire country and making Greece ripe for conquest by invaders.