Introduction to Greek History

Module code: AH1552

• What made ancient Greek society so distinctive and how did they emerge?
• How did the Greeks interact with their Persian neighbours?
• Does the real Sparta match popular images of it today?
• Why was Athens the first democracy in the world?
• What is ‘Greek’ religion, and how did it work?
• How did Alexander the Great conquer half the known world?

These and other questions are addressed in this introductory module, which assumes no prior knowledge but will give you the skills to begin using real ancient evidence to reach your own conclusions about Greek history between the end of the Bronze Age and the reinvention of writing and the generations after Alexander’s death. Core learning materials, including a range of evidence types from ancient books, poems, and plays to the data provided by archaeology, will give you a carefully structured narrative (arranged through time) while also focusing on key themes (across periods) such as politics and religion. The course is delivered through a digital module workbook and sourcebook, supplemented with ebooks and supported by recorded weekly lectures by our expert Greek historians.

Topics covered

• The rise of Spartan military power
• Early Greek tyrants
• The creation and evolution of Athenian democracy
• The wars with the Persian empire
• The great wars between Athens and Sparta
• The rise of Macedonia
• How Greek religion worked
• The conquests of Alexander