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The Ancient Greeks

Andrew Szegedy-Maszak, PhD

This is a survey of ancient Greek history from the Bronze Age to the death of Socrates in 399 BCE. Along with studying the most important events and personalities, we will consider broader issues such as political and cultural values and methods of historical interpretation.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Prehistory to Homer
We will start our first module with an overview of the physical and geographical setting for our class – “the Greek world.” Then we will move rapidly across many centuries, beginning with two Bronze Age civilizations: Minoan on the island of Crete, and Mycenaean on the mainland. Our evidence for both of these is almost purely archaeological, and so you can consider the ways scholars have interpreted material remains to build a picture of how the societies were structured. After the collapse of Mycenaean civilization, there followed the so-called Dark Ages. These four centuries pose for us the challenge of reconstructing what happened during a long period that has left relatively little evidence. We will conclude this module with an all too brief consideration of the two magnificent Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, whose stories and heroes became essential elements in Greek cultural identity.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Andrew Szegedy-Maszak, PhD, an established scholar and professor in Ancient Greek history
Examines key figures, events, and cultural values from the Bronze Age through the death of Socrates, providing a comprehensive overview of Ancient Greek history
Covers a range of topics, including political systems, societal changes, military organization, and the role of individuals
Utilizes primary sources such as Homeric epics, law codes, and the writings of Herodotus and Thucydides
Requires students to have a basic understanding of Ancient Greek history
Involves significant reading and analysis of historical texts

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive survey of ancient greek history

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and highly informative survey of ancient Greek history. Many highlight the exceptional quality of the lectures delivered by the professor, describing them as engaging, knowledgeable, and clear. Students appreciate how the course provides a solid foundation covering key periods and figures from the Bronze Age through the death of Socrates. While some note the broad scope requires a brisk pace, most find the material well-organized and the workload manageable, especially when using the recommended readings. The course is seen as a rewarding experience that effectively introduces the complexities and importance of this historical era.
Supplementary readings enhance understanding.
"The suggested readings really helped deepen my understanding of the lecture topics."
"I highly recommend doing the readings; they add crucial context."
"The readings provided valuable additional information."
"While lectures are good, the readings make the experience much richer."
Provides a strong basis for understanding the period.
"It gave me a really solid foundation in ancient Greek history."
"I now have a much better understanding of this foundational period in Western civilization."
"If you're looking for a comprehensive introduction, this course is fantastic."
"Perfect for beginners wanting a good overview."
Covers a wide span of ancient Greek history.
"This course covers a remarkable amount of ground, from prehistory all the way to Socrates."
"I appreciated the breadth of the topics covered, giving a solid survey."
"The syllabus outlines a comprehensive journey through key periods and events."
"We touched upon many important aspects, from Minoans to Athenian democracy and wars."
Lectures are clear, well-organized, and cover key areas.
"The lectures are very well-structured and easy to follow, covering a vast amount of history efficiently."
"I found the lecture content to be comprehensive and logically organized week by week."
"The lectures provide a great overview and dive into specific interesting topics."
"The structure of the course modules and lectures flows really well."
Professor is highly knowledgeable and engaging.
"The professor is extremely knowledgeable and presents the material clearly and engagingly."
"The professor is absolutely excellent, truly a pleasure to listen to and learn from."
"His lectures are the best part of the course, making complex topics easy to grasp."
"I really enjoyed the professor's teaching style; he made the history come alive."
Moves quickly given the breadth of material.
"The pace is quite fast, especially if you're completely new to the subject."
"Sometimes it felt a bit rushed trying to get through everything in a week."
"Be prepared for a lot of information packed into each module."
"It covers so much history that it has to move quickly through some parts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Ancient Greeks with these activities:
Review key concepts from ancient Greek history
Revisiting the basics will help you quickly recall past learnings, prepping you up for new insights in this course.
Show steps
  • Read an overview of ancient Greek history.
  • Create a timeline of major events in ancient Greek history.
Complete practice questions on ancient Greek history
Testing your understanding through practice questions will help you identify and address gaps in your understanding.
Show steps
  • Find practice questions online or in textbooks.
  • Attempt to answer the questions.
  • Review your answers and identify areas where you need more practice.
Join a study group to discuss ancient Greek history
Discussing the material with peers will help you clarify your understanding and learn from different perspectives.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create your own.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in a history quiz or competition
Participating in a history quiz or competition will test your knowledge and help you identify areas where you need improvement.
Show steps
  • Find a history quiz or competition to participate in.
  • Study for the quiz or competition.
  • Take the quiz or competition.
Review "A History of Ancient Greece" by Victor Davis Hanson
This book provides a comprehensive overview of ancient Greek history and will help you deepen your understanding of the material covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the book.
  • Take notes on the key points.
  • Discuss the book with a classmate or friend.
Create a timeline of a specific period in ancient Greek history
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the sequence of events and understand the relationships between them.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific period in ancient Greek history to focus on.
  • Research the events that occurred during that period.
  • Create a timeline that includes the most important events.
Contribute to an open-source project related to ancient Greek history
Contributing to an open-source project will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills while also giving back to the community.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project related to ancient Greek history.
  • Contribute to the project.
  • Share your contributions with others.

Career center

Learners who complete The Ancient Greeks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
Within ancient Greek history, historians focused on political and cultural values, such as the ones that this course will help you identify. With this historical context, you'll be able to understand how historical events unfolded in Ancient Greece and interpret these events as a Historian.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Archaeologist
This course, The Ancient Greeks, will help you analyze and interpret material remains, like the ones left by Minoan on the island of Crete and Mycenaean on the mainland. This insight will assist you with studying ancient cultures and the societies they have built as an Archaeologist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist
Museum curator
To effectively manage and interpret museum collections of Greek artifacts, a comprehension of the historical context is imperative. This course will introduce you to the political and cultural values that have shaped these collections, giving you the foundational understanding you'll utilize as a Museum Curator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator
Tour Guide
As a Tour Guide, you'll share historical accounts of ancient Greece with people from around the world. The knowledge you gain from this course -- from the Trojan War to the rise and fall of empires -- will provide you with a rich base of content to engage and entertain your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide
Teacher
To effectively instruct students on ancient Greek history, a firm grounding in its political and cultural values is paramount. This course will provide you with a comprehensive background on these aspects, equipping you with a deep understanding to convey to your students.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Journalist
This course will help you to develop a deep understanding of ancient Greek history. This knowledge will be valuable for your work as a Journalist, as it will help you to understand the origins of many of the political and cultural issues that we face today.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Librarian
In your role as a Librarian, you will assist researchers and students in finding information on ancient Greece. This course will be of interest to you as it covers a wide range of topics, from the Bronze Age to the death of Socrates, and will help you to better understand the resources available on this subject.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian
Writer
The works of Homer, Hesiod, Herodotus, and Thucydides, which you will explore as part of the course, will offer invaluable inspiration. Their eloquent storytelling and insightful perspectives will stimulate your creativity and enrich your writing as an aspiring Writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Lawyer
This course can provide you with a strong foundation in the study of law and legal systems. The course will introduce you to the concept of law in ancient Greece and its evolution over time, allowing you to develop a better understanding of the development of legal systems worldwide.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer
Politician
This course will give you a deep understanding of the political and cultural values of ancient Greece, which will be invaluable as you navigate the complex world of politics today. From the rise and fall of empires to the development of democracy, you'll gain insights into the forces that have shaped our political systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Politician
Philosopher
The Ancient Greeks were some of the greatest philosophers in history. This course will introduce you to their ideas about ethics, politics, and metaphysics, and you'll have the opportunity to explore these ideas in depth.
See salaries and explore the career path for Philosopher
Theologian
This course will introduce you to the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Greeks, which will be invaluable as you study theology. You'll learn about the different gods and goddesses, the myths and rituals associated with them, and the role of religion in ancient Greek society.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theologian
Sociologist
This course will introduce you to the social and cultural values of the ancient Greeks, which will be invaluable as you study sociology. You'll learn about the different social classes, the roles of men and women, and the family structure in ancient Greece.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist
Anthropologist
This course will introduce you to the culture and society of the ancient Greeks, which will be invaluable as you study anthropology. You'll learn about their daily lives, their customs and traditions, and their interactions with other cultures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist
Classicist
This course may be useful for you as a Classicist. The course will introduce you to the history, culture, and literature of ancient Greece, providing you with a strong foundation in the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Classicist

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Ancient Greeks.
Cover image
Revel for the Western Heritage -- Access Card
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This one-volume history provides a comprehensive overview of ancient Greece, from the Bronze Age to the death of Alexander the Great. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the political, social, and cultural history of ancient Greece.
Western Heritage, The, Volume 1 -- Revel Access Code
Printed Access Code
$$$$
Cover image
The Landmark Thucydides
Save
This edition of Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War is the most comprehensive and up-to-date available. It includes a new translation, a detailed introduction, and extensive notes. It is an essential resource for students who want to read Thucydides in the original Greek or in English translation.
The Landmark Thucydides
Paperback
Check
The Landmark Thucydides
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
A War Like No Other
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Provides a detailed account of the Peloponnesian War, one of the most important conflicts in ancient history. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the war and its impact on the ancient world.
A War Like No Other
Paperback
Check
A War Like No Other
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Western Way of War
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of classical Greece, from the Persian Wars to the death of Alexander the Great. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the political, social, and cultural history of ancient Greece.
The Western Way of War
Paperback
Check
The Western Way of War
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Homer and His Iliad
Save
Provides a global history of the Greeks, from their origins in the Bronze Age to their conquest by the Romans. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the impact of the Greeks on the world.
Homer and His Iliad
Paperback
Check
Homer and His Iliad
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Landmark Herodotus
Save
This edition of Herodotus' Histories is the most comprehensive and up-to-date available. It includes a new translation, a detailed introduction, and extensive notes. It is an essential resource for students who want to read Herodotus in the original Greek or in English translation.
The Landmark Herodotus: The Histories (Landmark...
Paperback
$$
The History of Herodotus — Volume 1: A Landmark...
Hardcover
$$
The History of Herodotus — Volume 1: A Landmark...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Socrates on Trial
Save
Provides a concise overview of the history, literature, and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the ancient world.
Socrates on Trial
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Poets, Patronage, and Print in Sixteenth-Century...
Save
This dictionary provides concise and authoritative definitions of all aspects of the ancient Greek and Roman world. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the ancient world.
Poets, Patronage, and Print in Sixteenth-Century...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Alexander of Macedon, 356–323 B.C.
Save
This volume of the Cambridge Ancient History provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Hellenistic world, from the death of Alexander the Great to the rise of the Roman Empire. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the political, social, and cultural history of the Hellenistic world.
Alexander of Macedon, 356–323 B.C.
Paperback
Check
Alexander of Macedon, 356–323 B.C.
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Greek and Roman Historiography
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Greek and Roman historiography. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the ancient world.
Greek and Roman Historiography
Paperback
Check
Greek and Roman Historiography
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Collected Papers of J.L. Moles
Save
Provides a concise overview of the history of Greek historiography. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the ancient world.
The Collected Papers of J.L. Moles
Paperback
Check
The Collected Papers of J.L. Moles
Kindle Edition
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Effort
3-5 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
Wesleyan University
Instructor
Andrew Szegedy-Maszak, PhD
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Andrew Szegedy-Maszak, PhD, an established scholar and professor in Ancient Greek history
Examines key figures, events, and cultural values from the Bronze Age through the death of Socrates, providing a comprehensive overview of Ancient Greek history
Covers a range of topics, including political systems, societal changes, military organization, and the role of individuals
Utilizes primary sources such as Homeric epics, law codes, and the writings of Herodotus and Thucydides
Requires students to have a basic understanding of Ancient Greek history
Involves significant reading and analysis of historical texts
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