Alexander the Great: king, soldier, legend

Aims

This course aims to:

• provide you with a gateway into the life and achievements of Alexander the Great
• showcase how combining a number of resources (written, artistic, archaeological, topographic) can aid our understanding of a phase in human history
• make you reflect on how in-depth explorations of this historical phase can help us understand historical changes and events that have shaped and still shape humanity

Course content

Alexander the Great was one of the most illustrious, but also controversial figures in global history. He managed to unite for the first time, at least politically, most of the Ancient Greek world, conquered Egypt and swathes of Asia, and, as a powerhouse of military prowess, political wile and sheer determination, changed the face and scope of Hellenism. In this course, replete with diverse resources, discussions and explorations, we will examine the milestones of his short life and career through a combination of history, archaeology, art and topography. You will hone your critical skills while we analyse not only what happened, but also the motivations, dynamics and implications that led, and eventually destroyed but also deified, the phenomenon that was the son of Philip II. Our course will start with a contextualisation of the Ancient Greek world and Macedon within it, in order to lay the foundations for our understanding of Alexander’s background and historical rupture. We will continue with his conquests of the Eastern Mediterranean before following him further east, deep into central Asia and the edge of India. We will conclude our course by seeing what happened after his largely unanticipated death, as well as briefly exploring his multiple legacies through the ages: from military idol and national symbol to the hero of fantastic adventures and folk tales. 

What to expect on this course

We will use a combination of lectures, including revision at the beginning of each session, short group work and discussions. The lecture materials will include multimedia (e.g. videos, aerial shots, reconstructions, audio), as well as props and handouts. Discussions and group work, similarly to the rest of the course components, will be managed according to student needs and pace.

Course sessions

1. Introduction to the Ancient Greek World and Macedon within it: In this session, we will contextualise our subject in time and place, consider our sources, cover the rise of Macedon and look at the events that led to Alexander taking charge.

    

2. “You are Blocking my Light”: Alexander in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean: We will continue with Alexander’s first expeditions as a leader, covering the Greek peninsula, Western Asia and Egypt. We will look at strategic geopolitical decisions and talk about military techniques.

    

3. From the Sands to the Mountains: Egypt to the Hindu Kush: Getting deeper into Asia, in this session we will encounter not only Alexander’s conquests and military adjustments, but also issues of economy and cultural identity.

    

4. Alexander on the Edge: India and the End of an Era: In our penultimate session, we will follow Alexander and his troops to the edge of India, as well as to the edge of his powers and the end of his life, the latter heralding the Hellenistic period.

    

5. Alexander’s Legacies: Lastly, we will look at the aftermath of Alexander’s death, not only considering the fragmentation of his empire and his Successors, but also Alexander’s multiple cultural, political, linguistic, religious, and popular legacies. 

Learning outcomes

As a result of the course, you will gain a greater understanding of the subject and you should be able to:

• recall the most significant events and analyses regarding the life and achievements of Alexander the Great
• combine a number of resources (written, artistic, archaeological, topographic) to analyse a phase in human history
• reflect on how in-depth explorations of this historical phase can help us understand historical changes and events that have shaped and still shape humanity

Required reading

There is no required reading for this course. See Course materials for supplementary reading once registered.