New course
Explore Ancient Greek history from the Dark Ages to the Twilight of the Polis in this comprehensive free online course. Understand the rise of Athens, Sparta, and more.
"Introduction to Ancient Greek History" is an enriching course taught by the esteemed historian, Donald Kagan. Spanning a comprehensive duration of 28 hours and 29 minutes, this course delves into the captivating journey of ancient Greece, a civilization that has shaped the foundations of Western history and thought.
This course is categorized under Basic Studies, with a specific focus on History. It serves as an essential primer for anyone interested in understanding the origins and developments of ancient Greek society. More importantly, it is crafted to cater to the fundamental curiosity of learners, whether they are history enthusiasts or students aiming to gain a foundational understanding of historical processes.
The rich tapestry of subjects covered begins with a general introduction to ancient Greek history, helping to set the stage for a more detailed exploration. The journey then ventures into The Dark Ages, a period that signifies the transition and eventual renaissance of Greek civilization. Learners are guided through the complexities and transformations during this era, providing a robust understanding of Greece's formative years.
The course then progresses to the Rise of the Polis, highlighting the emergence and significance of city-states in shaping the Greek identity and political landscape. The subsequent sessions cover the Greek Renaissance, marked by colonization and the rise of tyranny, offering insights into the dynamic and evolving nature of Greek society.
In-depth examinations of pivotal city-states like Sparta and Athens introduce learners to the unique characteristics and contributions of these centers of power. Specifically, sessions on Sparta offer a glimpse into its militaristic and austere society, while discussions on Athens shed light on its rise and the development of its democratic institutions.
The Persian Wars are covered in significant detail, emphasizing the clash between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire, a defining moment in world history. Following this, the course explores the formation and impact of the Athenian Empire, providing a critical look at Athens’ imperial ambitions and its consequences.
No exploration of ancient Greece would be complete without a thorough discussion of Athenian Democracy. These sessions dissect the principles, practices, and evolution of democracy in Athens, offering learners a window into the world's early experiments with democratic governance.
The Peloponnesian War is another focal point, examined meticulously in two parts. This intense and prolonged conflict between Athens and Sparta is presented with detail and nuance, highlighting the political, social, and military dimensions of the war.
As the course approaches its conclusion, it covers the Struggle for Hegemony in Fourth-Century Greece, a period marked by shifting power dynamics and the quest for dominance among Greek city-states. The exploration finally leads to the Twilight of the Polis, signifying the end of an era and the transformation of Greek society.
Through this structured and comprehensive exploration, "Introduction to Ancient Greek History" offers learners an invaluable understanding of one of history's most influential civilizations. Embark on this educational odyssey with Donald Kagan and gain profound insights into the events, cultures, and individuals that shaped ancient Greece.
Video class: 1. Introduction
0h33m
Exercise: Why is the study of ancient Greeks considered significant in the context of Western civilization?
Video class: 2. The Dark Ages
1h08m
Exercise: What evidence suggests that Greek-speaking peoples may have arrived in the Aegean Sea area around 2000 B.C.?
Video class: 3. The Dark Ages (cont.)
1h12m
Exercise: What was the Dark Ages in the context of ancient Greek history?
Video class: 4. The Rise of the Polis
1h08m
Exercise: Which term from ancient Greek history refers not just to a city's physical location, but also implies a community of citizens with shared values and responsibilities?
Video class: 5. The Rise of the Polis (cont.)
1h06m
Exercise: What critical role did the concept of the polis play in Ancient Greek thought and society?
Video class: 6. The Greek "Renaissance" - Colonization and Tyranny
1h08m
Exercise: What critical element did Hanson's theory highlight in the development of the polis in ancient Greece?
Video class: 7. The Greek "Renaissance" - Colonization and Tyranny (cont.)
1h09m
Exercise: Which of the following statements is correct regarding the establishment of Greek colonies during the rise of the polis?
Video class: 8. Sparta
1h15m
Exercise: What were some significant benefits and long-term contributions of tyranny in ancient Greek city-states?
Video class: 9. Sparta (cont.)
1h13m
Exercise: In the Spartan society, what role did the concept of agoge play in shaping its citizens?
Video class: 10. The Rise of Athens
1h11m
Exercise: Based on the early political structure of Athens, which of the following bodies was composed exclusively of aristocrats and held significant power and oversight in the Athenian government?
Video class: 11. The Rise of Athens (cont.)
1h13m
Exercise: In what year did Athens receive its first written law code under the traditional year system?
Video class: 12. The Persian Wars
1h19m
Exercise: What was the purpose of the institution of ostracism in ancient Athens?
Video class: 13. The Athenian Empire
1h20m
Exercise: What was the strategic significance of the Battle of Marathon in ancient Greek history?
Video class: 14. The Athenian Empire (cont.)
1h15m
Exercise: What was the purpose of the contributions, also known as 'phoros', in the Delian League?
Video class: 15. Athenian Democracy
1h09m
Exercise: What key event marked a significant turning point in the character of the Delian League?
Video class: 16. Athenian Democracy (cont.)
1h13m
Exercise: What was a key distinction between the judicial system of ancient Athens and that of a modern American court?
Video class: 17. The Peloponnesian War, Part I
1h14m
Video class: 18. The Peloponnesian War, Part I (cont.)
1h19m
Exercise: Which of the following best represents the consequences of the Battle of Sybota (433 BC) in the lead-up to the Peloponnesian War?
Video class: 19. The Peloponnesian War, Part II
1h15m
Exercise: What does Thucydides suggest as the essential cause of the Peloponnesian War?
Video class: 20. The Peloponnesian War, Part II (cont.)
1h10m
Exercise: What was the main responsibility of Athenian generals during the time of Pericles?
Embark on a journey back in time to the cradle of Western civilization with our comprehensive selection of free online courses on Ancient Greek History. Whether you are a student, history enthusiast, or a lifelong learner, our courses are designed to cater to your curiosity and educational needs. Delve into the fascinating world of ancient Greece, from the majestic city-states to the influential philosophers, without spending a dime.
Discover the political and military history of the famous Greek city-states, including Athens, Sparta, and Thebes. Our courses offer an in-depth look at the unique government systems, the concept of citizenship, and the pivotal battles that shaped the geopolitical landscape of ancient Greece. Learn about the Peloponnesian War and its lasting impact on the ancient world through expertly curated content.
Dive into the mythical world of the Olympian gods, goddesses, and legendary heroes that form the backbone of Greek mythology. Our courses provide a rich exploration of ancient Greek religion, its pantheon, and the mythological tales that have inspired centuries of literature and art. Understand how these stories reflect the values, beliefs, and daily life of the ancient Greeks.
Study the works and lives of the great philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Learn how their ideas on ethics, politics, and science laid the foundation for Western philosophy and thought. Our courses offer insightful discussions on their contributions and how they continue to influence modern society.
Experience the grandeur of ancient Greek art and architecture. Our courses take you through the development of sculpture, pottery, and monumental buildings like the Parthenon. Gain an appreciation for the aesthetic principles and technical skills of ancient Greek artists and architects, and see how their legacy survives in contemporary culture.
Trace the origins of the Olympic Games and their role in ancient Greek society. Our courses cover the history, sports, and cultural significance of the ancient Olympics, highlighting their influence on the modern Olympic movement. Explore the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence that characterized these ancient athletic contests.
Step into the daily lives of the ancient Greeks with courses that paint a vivid picture of domestic life, social customs, and economic activities. Learn about the roles of men, women, and children in various city-states and how their status and duties differed. From the Agora to the symposium, explore the social fabric that defined everyday existence in ancient Greece.
From the legendary Trojan War to the heroic tales of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, our courses examine the themes of warfare and heroism that dominate much of Greek history and literature. Analyze the concept of the hero in ancient Greek culture and its impact on the identity of the Greek people.
Our free online courses on Ancient Greek History are your gateway to exploring one of the most influential periods in human history. With no cost and flexible learning, you can immerse yourself in the ancient world at your own pace. Start your odyssey today and gain timeless knowledge that echoes through the ages.
28 hours and 29 minutes of online video course
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