Introduction to the Ancient World: Sources and Methodology

The cultural foundation of western civilization was laid in the Greek world, within a short time frame, less than two hundred years. The rise of the Hellenistic monarchies, and later the Roman state, brought about the proliferation of Greek cultural accomplishment throughout the Mediterranean world. The endurance of the Roman state, throughout antiquity and beyond, secured its study, emulation and preservation. What is exactly this ‘Greek heritage’? How did it come into existence? What were the means by which it was eternalized and to what extent was it transformed in the Roman context? In the course of this term we will study these questions, gaining preliminary acquaintance with relevant sources.

This is an introductory course that requires no prior knowledge of the ancient world.

Course requirements: full attendance and regular reading assignments (30%), and final exam (70%).