The Greeks overseas: politics and power in the Western Mediterranean
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
This course has now finished
Course Code: RC024
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 Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Greek voyages of exploration find echoes in Homer’s epic narrating the adventures of Odysseus. Other myths also find confirmation in archaeology showing the foundation of colonies throughout the Western Mediterranean. Known as ‘Greater Greece’, these lands preserve some of the loveliest art anywhere in the Greek world. The Greek cities were key players in politics & warfare in the Mediterranean.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
We explore a world in which great maritime powers compete for dominance in the western Mediterranean. Magnificent temples in Italy especially in the beautiful site of Paestum. In Sicily the temples of Syracuse, Selinunte, Segesta and Agrigento, are the best preserved and the finest still extant. These colonies made major contributions to Greek philosophy and ideas and profoundly impacted on the developing cultures of Etruria and early Rome. I have 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.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Demonstrate a better knowledge and understanding of the Greeks overseas.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The classes are richly illustrated not merely to accompany the narrative but because the visual material is – examined in its context of literature history & archaeology – 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.
No prior knowledge is required and (if you like, to the extent you would like) we can all participate in discussions. If circumstances allow our class will include a visit to the British Museum.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Illustrated lectures, discussions, questions, readings and analysis of original texts (in translation). Reading outside the course will enhance the experience.
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 class on ancient civilisations. Please see our website for details.
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.
