Ancient Civilizations of the Mediterranean and Middle East

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the histories of the Ancient Near (aka Middle) East, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It begins with the origins of civilization, and ends with the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of Islam in the Middle East (c. 4,000 B.C.E. - 650 C.E.). It pays special attention to the diverse political systems of the ancient world, including divine kingship in ancient Egypt and the Near East, the Athenian democracy, the Roman Republic, and the emperors of the Roman Empire. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn about select social, cultural, and religious topics, such as the rise of monotheistic religions, the influence of particular artistic traditions, or the role of underrepresented groups (e.g. women, slaves) in the ancient world. Recommended Prerequisite: HST 103 .