Late Archaic Greece
Spring 2013
This course examines the history of Greece in the late archaic age down to the end of the Persian wars (c. 650-479 BC). The course will begin with consideration of Herodotus, our main source for this period, proceed through a set of topics on political, constitutional, social, cultural, and economic history, and end up with systematic reading and discussion of Herodotus’ account of the Persian Wars. Neglected for the most part are religion, art and archaeology, and literature qua literature.
This is an advanced course; it assumes familiarity with the general outlines of Greek History and institutions. HIEU 203 Ancient Greece or equivalent, is strongly recommended as a prerequisite for undergraduates.
Reading will average 250 pages/week. Requirements will be onerous and include participation in discussion, oral reports, papers on scholarly controversies, and a final exam. Not for CR/NC.
