The Persian Wars
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: RC084
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 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?
The purpose of the course is to discuss who the Greeks were, and how they interacted with other peoples. Though the main focus will be on relations with the Persian Empire, other relationships will explored – with Jews and Romans and barbarians.
The course will be wholly in English. No knowledge of Greek or any other foreign language will be required.
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?
1. The Case for the Greeks
2. The Rise of Persia
3. The Great War with Persia – 1: to Marathon
4. The Great War with Persia – 2: to Plataea
5. Xenophon and the March of the Ten Thousand
6. Alexander the Great – 1
7. Alexander the Great – 2
8. The Hellenistic Encounters
9. Greeks and Romans
10. The Melting of the Greeks.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
By the end you will have a broad understanding of the Persians Wars and of the relationships between the Greeks and the surrounding civilisations.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to everyone and does not assume any previous knowledge on the topic. As the course is taught in English, please read the outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support with your English skills to help you take part fully in this class.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be fully on-line, and there is no preparation work needed.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring writing material.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Any other class on ancient civilisations. See the website for details.
Sean has been teaching Greek and Latin for a very long time, and he loves what he does. While not doing that, he's made the time to write around forty books. These include twelve historical novels, by "Richard Blake," and published by Hodder & Stoughton. They also include editions of Book VI of "The Aeneid," the "Historia Langobardorum" of Paul the Deacon, and various parts of St Jerome's Latin version of The New Testament. One of his science fiction novels was nominated for the 2015 Prometheus Award.
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.
