An introduction to the history and civilization of
Ancient Greece, from the early Archaic era in
mid-eighth-century B.C. to the death of Socrates
in 399 B.C. Topics include constitutional changes
from monarchy through oligarchy and tyranny to
democracy, the development of the Greek polis,
contacts with Near Eastern civilizations, hegemony
and imperialism, social structure, trade, and
colonization. Readings will focus on ancient
historical writings in translation and will
highlight the challenges in interpreting evidence
from antiquity.
Ancient Greece, from the early Archaic era in
mid-eighth-century B.C. to the death of Socrates
in 399 B.C. Topics include constitutional changes
from monarchy through oligarchy and tyranny to
democracy, the development of the Greek polis,
contacts with Near Eastern civilizations, hegemony
and imperialism, social structure, trade, and
colonization. Readings will focus on ancient
historical writings in translation and will
highlight the challenges in interpreting evidence
from antiquity.
- Teacher: Gordon Kelly