Politics and Power in the Western Mediterranean (part 2)

Course Dates: 15/01/25 - 26/03/25
Time: 11:30 - 13:30
Location: Keeley Street
Tutors: 
Discover the wealth and beauty of the later Greek colonies in Sicily & southern Italy.
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Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £149.00

Politics and Power in the Western Mediterranean (part 2)
  • Course Code: RA421
  • Dates: 15/01/25 - 26/03/25
  • Time: 11:30 - 13:30
  • Taught: Wed, Daytime
  • Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
  • Location: Keeley Street
  • Tutor: Michael Duigan

Course Code: RA421

Wed, day, 15 Jan - 26 Mar '25

Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

What is the course about?

This course will focus on the wealth and beauty of the later Greek colonies in Sicily & southern Italy. Their magnificent theatres, gleaming jewellery and elaborately pottery decorated with mythological scenes and illustrations of Greek drama. Plato’ unsuccessful attempt to teach philosophy to Tyrants of Syracuse and Greek achievements in poetry and mathematics (Archimedes). Etruscan artists continue making splendid things including engraved mirrors decorated with graceful and elaborate line drawings. Celtic tribes from across the alps invade and plunder Rome.

What will we cover?

We document the city’s rising power and its gradual domination of the Italian peninsula. Samnite armies almost extinguished Roman power but were ultimately defeated. Their sombre (and sinister) funerary paintings still intrigue us. Rome’s expansion brought it into conflict with other great powers in the Mediterranean. The Phoenicians of Carthage, the mortal struggle with Hannibal and the capture of Sicily – its first overseas acquisition. Rome’s conquest of Syracuse, the slave revolt led by Spartacus. And the final days of the Roman Republic.

Although this course is part 2, it can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone course, as no prior knowledge is required.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Explain key political, social and cultural events in Ancient Greece in their historical context
- Recognise the style, period and context for archaeological objects, images and texts
- Use appropriate evidence and strategies for analysing this ancient material.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The tutor has led a number of archaeological tours to Sicily involving first hand exploration of the sites and their museums – This course is richly illustrated with photographs taken on these explorations. These are not merely to accompany the narrative but is the evidence from which our conclusions are drawn. There is the added bonus that frequently what we are viewing is beautiful - offering aesthetic pleasure as well as intellectual excitement.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Illustrated lectures, discussions, a museum visit, questions, readings and analysis of original texts (in translation). Museum visits and reading outside the course will enhance the experience. In addition (if you so wish) you are very welcome to make a presentation on any related subject of your choice. Our course will include a visit to the British Museum.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Limited book purchases recommended but optional.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Another Ancient Civilisations class. See website for details.

Michael Duigan

Michael teaches Classical and Ancient history at the City Lit. For many years he lectured in the Certificate/Diploma in History of Art course at London University, Birkbeck. He delivered a course in the ‘Classical Tradition’ at St Mary’s University and on ‘the Classical Artist’ at the Courtauld Institute. He also teaches a Summer School on Ancient Art in Christ Church, Oxford University. Michael acts as a tour guide to archaeological sites and museum collections.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.