Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World: An Age of Transformation and Discovery

From ascending to the throne of Macedon in 336 BC until his death in Babylon in 323 BC at the age of 32, Alexander III of Macedon’s ambitious campaigns in Europe, North Africa, and Asia exploded the Greek world in unprecedented ways. In this course you will join Alexander on his conquests and immerse yourself in his legacy: the vibrant, diverse, violent, and endlessly creative Hellenistic world. Relive the decisive battles that saw Alexander claim the Persian empire. Be captivated by the game of thrones following his death as his companions vied for control of his empire. Discover how, in Alexander’s wake, Greek culture met and mingled with Egyptian, Persian, Indian, Jewish, and Bactrian traditions, forever changing them as it was itself transformed. Admire the power of queens from Olympias to Cleopatra VII, and probe the lives of ordinary women from the cosmopolis of Alexandria to the frontier city of Ai Khanoum. Marvel at scientific and engineering inventions, including giant siege towers, machines that moved of their own accord, ships the size of cities, and the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Discover how a man might become a god, why mystery religions were the craze, and new philosophies flourished. Become absorbed in the sprawling epics and pithy epigrams of the Library of Alexandria. Explore the geography of India and Afghanistan, and admire the many artistic experiments and innovations of this fascinating period. A feature of the course is hands-on experience with the Graeme Clarke teaching collection of artefacts from the Hellenistic Syrian town of Jebel Khaled.