This course offers a detailed study of the life and times of Alexander III, king of Macedonia from 356 to 323 BC (‘Alexander the Great’), one of the most influential and controversial figures of world history, who conquered the Persian Empire and extended Macedonian rule as far east as modern Afghanistan. The course seeks to set Alexander’s achievements within the context of Greek, Macedonian and Near Eastern history. Extensive attention is paid to the complex ancient historiography, to archaeological material, and to the often contested views of modern scholars.

Topics to be covered include: setting the scene: the Greek, Macedonian and Persian backgrounds; the sources for Alexander; the reign of Alexander’s father Philip; Alexander’s childhood, youth,and accession to the throne; his aims in invading the Persian empire; the Macedonian army and Alexander’s achievements as a military leader; his dealings with the Greeks of Asia and of mainland Greece; how he ruled his newly-won empire; his city-foundations and the diffusion of Greco-Macedonian culture; his dealings with the Persians and the peoples of Asia; his campaigns in ‘India’; his claims to divine status; his dealings with the Macedonian nobility and with the Macedonian army; his last plans and death; images of Alexander; the rich ‘afterlife’ of Alexander in various media, from antiquity to the modern day.

AP/HIST 2100 6.00 or AP/HUMA 3100 6.00 or AP/HUMA 3102 3.00 or AP/HUMA 3104 6.00 or AP/HUMA 3105 6.00 or AP/HUMA 3110 6.00 or AP/HIST 3120 6.00 or AP/HIST 3125 3.00 or AP/HIST 3130 6.00 or AP/HIST 3131 6.00 or AP/HIST 3135 3.00 or AP/HIST 3140 3.00 or AP/HIST 3150 6.00 or AP/HIST 3152 6.00 or AP/HIST 3153 6.00 or AP/HIST 3154 3.00 or AP/HIST 3160 6.00 or departmental permission.

Priority is given to History, Classical Studies or Hellenic Studies Honours majors and minors who have successfully completed at least 84 credits.

J. Romm and R. Strassler (ed., tr.), The Landmark Arrian. Anchor Classics.

All other readings will be available electronically.

2 shorter essays: 40% (20% each)
Research Paper: 40%
Participation: 10%
Presentations: 10%

One three-hour seminar each week.

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
• identify and describe the key figures, terms, and topics of the history of Alexander the Great;
• identify, discuss and explain key historical events;
• identify, describe and discuss the various methodological and theoretical approaches to the interpretation of historical sources;
• read critically and evaluate (review and interpret) information from both primary sources and scholarly secondary sources, and explore the limited and contested nature of historical knowledge about Alexander the Great;
• discuss issues related to course material with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed both in writing and orally.
• Make a clear and well-researched presentation on a topic relating to Alexander the Great, including effective use of appropriate technology (PowerPoint, etc.);
• write a clear and effective research essay, making use of different primary sources and scholarly secondary sources and following appropriate standards of presentation.