HIST. 105: Introduction to Near Eastern and Greek History

Introduction to Near Eastern and Greek History

Are you interested in who built the pyramids? How agriculture began? What was Greek democracy like? This course will answer these questions and more. It surveys the history of the ancient cultures that lived in the Near East, Egypt, and Greece from the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) until the end of the Hellenistic period (31 BC). Using textual evidence, archaeology, and art, we will explore how societies in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Nubia, Persia, Western Asia, and Greece developed, changed over time, and interacted with one another. Classes will be a mixture of lecture, group discussions, and activities. We will also likely take a trip to a museum on campus!

No prior knowledge of these regions or ancient history are required. We will read mostly from R.W. Mathisen’s textbook Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations, but we will also look at ancient sources and some modern scholarship together. Assignments will include exams, weekly quizzes, and two short writing assignments.