Subject Area: History

This course explores the dynamic, diverse, and troubled civilisation of Greece during the Archaic, Classical, and early Hellenistic eras (circa 750-200 BC). We will begin by seeking the origins of polis-based Greek civilization, and then trace its evolution during the Archaic Era (circa 750-500 BC). After exploring reasons underlying the startling Greek triumph over the Persian Empire in the early 5th century BC, the course goes on to examine the two-century arc of triumph and failure of Classical Greek polis civilization (ca. 500-338 BC). Finally, we will turn to Alexander the Great, his conquests, the division of his empire upon his death, and the uneasy balance of power between the Hellenistic Successor Kingdoms (ca. 338-200 BC). Several themes will animate the course: the origin, nature, and evolution of economic and social structures; the origin, nature, and evolution of military and political institutions and practices; Greek democracy; Greek interaction with non-Greeks.