Alexander and the East: Central Asia and the Mediterranean from the Achaemenid Period

Catalog description

Taking the arrival of Alexander the Great in Central Asia as its pivot point, this course explores relations between the various steppe and oasis cultures in Central Asia and the Mediterranean world from the Achaemenid period up to the early Middle Ages. These relations are characterized by a broad spectrum of different forms of contact and exchange. Direct contacts were established, for example, by military campaigns, diplomatic exchanges, migrations or colonization. Less direct forms of cultural transmission resulted from complex transcontinental trade flows. The course will focus on the consequences different forms of communication with the Mediterranean had on Central Asian art and material culture. Students will consider topics such as urbanism, architecture, iconography, and historiography as well as specific aspects of material culture including ceramics, arms and costume.