Module 5: Classical Greece and the Hellenistic World

Classical Greek civilization was one of the most influential civilizations to emerge in the ancient world. The Greeks’ conception of government—particularly democracy—as well as philosophy, art, and military strategy had a profound effect upon both ancient and modern history. This sophisticated society had its roots in the Greek Dark Ages—also known as Archaic Greece—a period that was characterized by the proliferation of tiny political units—known as “city-states” or “poleis”—ruled by kings. The classical period of Greece, however, was dominated by two powerful city-states—Athens and Sparta. In this unit, we will focus on Athens and Sparta—their military conflicts, artistic accomplishments, and cultural achievements—as well as the advent of the Hellenistic Age.

Time Advisory

This unit will take you 18 hours to complete.

Section 5.1 Rise of Classical Greece : 10 hours
Section 5.2 The Hellenistic Period: 3 hours
Section 5.3 Greek and Hellenistic Culture : 4.5 hours
Section 5.4 Module 5 Quiz: 0.5 hours

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Identify the cultural origins of Greek civilization in the Mediterranean basin.
Trace the development of Greek commerce, cities, and political institutions.
Assess the political, social, and cultural legacies of Greek civilization.

Section 5.1 Rise of Classical Greece

Please read the entirety of all three sections in order to get a general sense of the ancient Greek world.

Europe, 700 - 601 B.C., "Greece"

Europe, 600 - 501 B.C., "Greece"

Europe, 500 - 401 B.C., "Greece"

Please listen to or watch the entirety of Class Session 1—“Introduction.” You may choose to download the video (using QuickTime Player) or download the audio format using an MP3 player. This session will give you an excellent introduction to the world of ancient Greece from a world-renowned scholar.

Introduction to Ancient Greek History

Please read the entirety of the website in order to get a sense of the volatile period known as the “classical age” in Greece.

Classical Greece

Please read the entirety of the website in order to get a sense of the historical context of Homer and his writings.

Homer and the Greek Renaissance

Read the assigned text alongside CUNY-Brooklyn College: Robert Dunkle’s “Iliad Study Guide.”

Iliad Study Guide

The Illiad by Samuel Bulter

Please read this text in its entirety. This reading offers an overview of the turbulent and militaristic world of classical Greece. Dr. Thomas Sakoulas is an Associate Professor at the State University of New York.

Classical Greece - Sakoulas

Please read the entirety of the lecture in order to get a sense for the main ideas of the most influential philosophers in ancient Greece.

Greek Thought: Socrates, Plato and Aristole

Question & Answer

Section 5.2 The Hellenistic Period

Please read the entirety of the website in order to get a sense of the vast empire created by Alexander the Great in the Mediterranean and in Asia.

From Polis to Cosmopolis

Please read the sections "Greece" and "Upper Balkans" in order to get a sense of the demise of ancient Greece and the rise of Macedonia.

Europe; 400 - 301 B.C.: "Greece" and "Upper Balkans"

Please read the entire webpage, including any embedded hyperlinks, to get a sense of the rise and expansion of the Hellenistic world. Also, click on “View Slideshow” at the top of the webpage to view thumbnails and descriptions of the art.

The Rise of Macedonia and Conquests of Alexander the Great

Question & Answer

Section 5.3 Greek and Hellenistic Culture

Please scroll down to the section entitled “Culture in the Hellenistic Period.” Please read the entirety of this section to get a wonderfully comprehensive overview of the major characteristics of Hellenistic society.

The Hellenistic Period in World History

Please read this text in its entirety. The Allegory of the Cave describes four stages through which a person has to pass to get a proper education. Please, try to answer the following two questions: What do shadows and the sun stand for? And what exactly do you think getting out of the cave symbolizes?

Plato's The Allegory of the Cave

Study Questions for Plato's The Allegory of the Cave

Guide to Responding for Plato's The Allegory of the Cave

Question & Answer

Section 5.4 Quiz

Please take the assigned quiz and submit for grading. This quiz pertains to Chapter 5 of the textbook World Civilizations: The Global Experience, published by Pearson Education.

Module 5 Quiz