Ancient History: Reference Works
Why Encyclopedias and Dictionaries?
Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference works are often the best way to start a research project, to get essential information from top researchers and to find the most important works in topic bibliographies.
This page lists focused reference works on countries and topics. Most of these are print encyclopedias on the second floor of the library.
Topical Works
Ancient and Classical World
- Blackwell Companions to the Ancient WorldPortland State Library has print copies or online access to many of these volumes, but not all. Request from Summit or ILL as needed.
- Cambridge Companions to the Ancient WorldPortland State Library has bound copies or online access to many of these volumes, but not all. Request from Summit or ILL as needed.
- The Edinburgh History of Ancient RomeBrief but excellent introductions to all periods of Roman history.
- Brill's New Pauly (Ebook) byPublication Date: 2007-Provides comprehensive coverage of the ancient world from the prehistory of the Aegean (2nd millennium BCE) to late antiquitiy (600-800 CE). Contains the complete Der Neue Pauly and Brill's New Pauly, which is being translated into English.
- Brill’s New Pauly: Encyclopaedia of the Ancient World: Antiquity byCall Number: DE5 .N3513 2002Publication Date: 2002
- Cambridge Histories OnlineUnder General History, select The Cambridge Ancient History from the list of titles
General Works
- Oxford Reference OnlineContains full text subject encyclopedias, reference works, dictionaries, and handbooks in all disciplines.
- Oxford Bibliographies OnlineIncludes scholarly bibliographies that provide research guidance in several topical areas. Our current subscriptions cover the classics, Jewish studies, Islamic studies, Latino studies, medieval studies, the renaissance and the reformation, British and Irish literature, childhood studies, Chinese studies, cinema and media studies, American literature, education, communication, linguistics, philosophy, public health, and international relations.