Introduction to Ancient Greece

The Greek civilisation was one of the earliest to contribute to the advancement of human life across all areas—politics, religion, arts, science and our understanding of the world and universe.

Indeed, few cultures have left a legacy with such lasting ideas as democracy, philosophy, the architectural orders, dramatic structure, numerous scientific theories and the Olympic Games. Few others have impacted our values and sense of self as deeply as the ancient Greeks.

The Introduction to Ancient Greece Diploma Course moves chronologically through the three time periods that formed this civilisation (the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic Eras) to examine the times in which they lived and the contributions they made that can still be seen and felt today.

By studying this course, you will:

• Gain a deep knowledge of ancient Greek history.
• Be familiar with the three specific periods of ancient Greece civilisation.
• Understand what the polis was and how it developed.
• Recognise the differences between powerful city-states such as Sparta and Athens.
• Know the major literary figures of each era and their importance to history.
• Have learnt about the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders of architecture and their influence on western architecture.
• Be aware of what daily life was like for an ancient Greek person.
• Understand the significance of religion and myth to ancient Greeks.
• Know who the most important gods and goddesses were.
• Be better informed about the major wars that took place at this time.
• Be familiar with influential philosophers such as Socrates and Plato and the different philosophical schools including Stoicism and Epicureanism.

The Introduction to Ancient Greece Diploma Course is perfect for you if you are interested in history, culture, philosophy, architecture, literature, art or mythology and religion. It provides great insight into the people of ancient Greece, and how the impact of these great thinkers is still felt today.