This module is concerned with the Hellenistic period, which saw an expansion of the Greek world into the Near East and, as a result, the profound political and cultural transformation of the whole of the Eastern Mediterranean. The Hellenistic world played a crucial role not just in the transmission of classical Greek civilisation but also in the shaping of the Roman Empire and its culture, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. For these reasons, it is a key period in the development of Greek, Roman and later European civilisations. The module intends to provide a general survey of the political, social, economic and cultural history of the Eastern Mediterranean in the period between 336 and 30 BC, following on from the classical Greek and in part dovetailing with and in part preparing the ground for the Roman historical modules. The module will be taught from a range of sources, historical, literary, papyrological, epigraphic and archaeological. Particular attention will be paid to the interaction between the incoming Graeco-Macedonian and indigenous local populations and the formation of new states and cultures.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Also available at Level 5 under code CL737
Essay 1 (1,500 words) – 40%
Essay 2 (1,500 words) – 40%
Presentation (15 minutes) – 20%
Indicative Reading List
Errington, R.M, (2008). A History of the Hellenistic World 323-30 BC. Malden: Blackwell.
Erskine, A, (2003). A Companion to the Hellenistic World, Oxford: Blackwell.
Hammond, N.G.L, (1997). The Genius of Alexander the Great, London: Duckworth.
Shipley, G, (2000). The Greek World after Alexander, 323-30 B.C. London: Routledge.
Whitehorne, J.E.G, (1994). Cleopatras, London: Routledge.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module Level 6 students will be able to:
Articulate detailed and nuanced responses to key questions about the nature and value of the historical evidence for Hellenistic history;
Demonstrate detailed understanding of the importance and implications of Hellenistic political, social, economic and cultural history;
Demonstrate thorough understanding of the nature and extent of interaction between the incoming Graeco-Macedonians and the indigenous Near Eastern populations (e.g. in politics, society, the economy, religion and in cultural life);
Devise sustained, critical and evaluative arguments related to the interpretation of these issues;
Engage reflectively with current research related to primary and secondary sources relating to the Hellenistic period.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.