Dr Matthew Nicholls (Reading, UK) read Classics at St John's College Oxford, where he completed his DPhil. He moved on to a junior research fellowship at The Queen's College before taking up a lectureship at the University of Reading, where he is now an associate professor of ancient history.
His research interests include books and libraries in the ancient world, from Alexandria and Pergamum in the Greek east to Rome in the west, and he has recently published extensively on a newly discovered text by the Greek medical writer Galen. His other interests include the digital reconstruction of ancient buildings and cities, and travel in the Greco-Roman world.

The 50 most important achievements of a timeless civilization, each explained in half a minute.

Ancient Greek civilization laid the foundations for so many aspects of modern western life, from architecture to philosophy. But can you recite the Classical orders with confidence (are you sure what an order actually is?), and would you be able to define the key contributions of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle? 30-Second Ancient Greece offers an engrossing tour of the Hellenic world, appealingly served up in easily absorbed nuggets.

• An internationally bestselling series presents essential concepts in a mere 30 seconds, 300 words, and one image;
• Presents a unique insight into one of the most creative and influential civilizations, where military might and architectural brilliance flourished;
• From temples and oracles to soldiers and slavery, from beautiful pottery to tragic drama, this is the key to understanding the 50 crucial ideas and innovations that developed and defined one of the world's greatest civilizations.