The ancient Greeks, more than any other early culture, have given us the template for Western civilization. This course takes you from the great Classical and Hellenistic eras through Greece's dramatic modern history. You'll discover Greek culture in examples such as: Athenian democracy; Greek religious beliefs; Greek drama, epic poetry, and philosophy; and Greek sculpture, vase painting, and architecture.
The Greek World: A Study of History and Culture
Take a fresh look at the phenomenal legacy of the ancient Greeks and immerse yourself in the spectrum of Greek achievements that have so deeply imprinted Western civilization.
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Phids from
Pretty solid overview of the Greek World
My educational background gave me the opportunity to study quite a bit of Greek philosophy, art, and architecture, so I was already fascinated by the contributions of the Ancient Greeks to our own, modern culture. I decided to watch this course so that it could "fill the gaps" of my knowledge of the Greeks, and help me appreciate them even more. For some reason, I thought the course would focus solely in the history of Ancient Greece, but this course actually provides a much broader history of Greece (up to the present day). That's not a bad thing at all, but just something to keep in mind.
The course starts off with the long history of Greece before focusing on various topics related to significant contributions to the West, such as theater, philosophy, architecture - and the list goes on. Each of these topics could easily be turned into entire courses themselves, so the professor is distilling them down to their essentials in his lectures in a very helpful way.
This is, in my opinion, where the course's strength lies. The professor summarizes what we need to know, and quite frequently does so in definitive terms. In other words, he might tell us that the Greeks were the "first" to do something, or that they did something that was "unmatched" in the Ancient World, or something else to that effect. I found this very helpful as it allowed me to put the Greeks into context relative to other ancient civilizations.
With that said, there were some things that annoyed me (and no, the fact that he wore perhaps two different outfits over the 24 lectures isn't one of them). One was that he used the politically correct chronology designations of "BCE" and "CE", rather than "BC" and "AD". It was stupid enough that historians made this move decades ago in the first place, but it's particularly annoying when it is done in TGC content. I wish they would respect TGC audiences by just using standard "BC" and "AD" designations.
Beyond that, I found that the professor's own biases were a bit much in some lectures. He often described the Greeks as being "racist", "sexist", or "misogynistic" (as if using these charged terms, which imply value judgments, were helpful). He seemed to go out of his way to signal his own wokeness in some regards, such as by pointing to "white privilege" in relation to Greek study. In the very first lecture, he even seemed to give credence to the idea that portraying Achilles as a black man was quite normal, rather than being part of a larger, pseudo-historical "hotep revisionism" effort motivated by modern-day socio-politics. These biases were not enough to get me overly upset, but they did make me miss instruction that is given in a more neutral way.
Date published: 2023-12-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Kansas Honey Badger from
Depth of Scholarship, Enthusiasm and Eloquence
I have always been fascinated with the Greco-Roman world, consequently I had read a good deal about it before I viewed this course. Professor Garland displays an amazing depth of scholarship. He hopes to spread his enthusiasm for this period of history and for history itself. I found the lectures to be absolutely excellent, time flew by. I would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in this time period. Prof. Garland is one of the most eloquent speakers that I have had the pleasure to listen to.
Date published: 2023-10-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hiker1973 from
Great stories and Great Lecturer
I have watched a few Great Courses by Dr. Garland and have learned so much. His passion for the topics come through and I appreciate the time he has taken to give us unusual facts about the subjects he teaches. He is not just reading the script and talking.
Date published: 2023-07-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
A neurologist from
Very best of 293 courses I've watched
I have watched or listened to 293 Great Courses over the last 25 years, and this is only the 2nd time I have been inspired to write a review. Robert Garland’s course on The Greek World is unsurpassed. It is a page-turner – I watched it in 3 days. It hops around different topics about Greece, mostly ancient Greece. I have viewed courses that go into more detail than almost every lecture topic: history, science, literature, linguistics, mythology, religion, art, drama, even bromatology. But every lecture is packed with facts that were new and fascinating to me, presented in a mesmerizing way by a lecturer who is expert, easily comprehensible, and possessing an infectious enthusiasm for his subject. No matter how much you think you know about the topics he covers, I think you will surely be edified and entertained. The Great Courses, and we, are lucky Robert Garland came up with a 6th course to teach.
Date published: 2023-01-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
bill1957 from
Great Survey of Greek History
This course covers a wide variety of topics to understand Greece from ancient to current times. The images and maps are well integrated with the lectures.
Date published: 2022-12-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ItsGreekToMe from
Great preparation for our visit to Greece!
We watched these videos over a couple months prior to a trip to Greece, and I believe we enjoyed our trip and appreciated the culture more because of this course. Professor Garland is enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The course had the right blending of academics and fun.
Date published: 2022-09-04
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Astro2022 from
I had to stop lecture 5
The lecturer style is very good. However, he comes across as a "fanboy" not a scholar. I appreciate the enthusiasm but he sounded biased on many occasions.
I'll find another course to learn more about the Greeks.
Date published: 2022-09-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Godzillabird from
Excellent!
One of the best Great Courses. Professor Garland is engaging, witty, and remarkably knowledgeable. I highly recommend this course!
Date published: 2022-07-13
Overview
About
Dr. Robert S.J. Garland is the Roy D. and Margaret B. Wooster Professor of the Classics at Colgate University. He earned his B.A. in Classics from Manchester University, his M.A. in Classics from McMaster University, and his Ph.D. in Ancient History from University College London. A former Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the George Grote Ancient History Prize, Professor Garland has educated students and audiences at a variety of levels. In addition to teaching classics at Colgate University, he has taught English and Drama to secondary school students and lectured at universities throughout Britain as well as the British School of Archaeology in Athens. Professor Garland is the author of numerous articles in both academic and popular journals and books capturing details of all aspects of ancient Greek and Roman life, including The Greek Way of Life: From Conception to Old Age; Introducing New Gods: The Politics of Athenian Religion; and Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks. His expertise has been featured in The History Channel's Last Stand of the 300, and he has repeatedly served as a consultant for educational film companies.
Trailer
01: Why Study the Greek World?
Examine the many compelling reasons to study the ancient Greeks, from their phenomenal art and architecture to their philosophy, religion, and inventions of drama and democracy. Consider how we identify the Greeks, in cultural, historical and linguistic terms. Finally, note the influence of Greece’s landscape and physical environment on the development and character of Greek civilization.
34 min
02: Bronze Age Greece: Minoans and Myceneans
Trace the origins of human habitation on the mainland and islands of Greece. Study the Bronze Age cultures of the Cycladic islands; the famed Minoan civilization centered on Crete, with its palaces and religious ritual; and the Mycenaean civilization, with its monumental architecture and cultural artifacts. Learn about Mycenae’s connection with the Trojan War, and what may have led to its collapse.
35 min
03: Dark Age and Archaic Greece
Grasp the contours of Greece’s Dark Age (1100-750 B.C.E.), an era of restricted trade and a breakdown of centralized power. Take note of the achievements of this epoch, such as iron technology, the Greek alphabet, and the advent of the Olympic Games. In the following Archaic Period, chart Greece’s geographical expansion, creation of city-states, invention of coinage, and movement toward democracy.
32 min
04: Classical Greece: The Age of Pericles
Take an overview of Greece’s Classical Age, an astonishing period of human accomplishment, which the course will treat in detail. Explore defining events of the period, from the 479 B.C.E. defeat of the Persians, through the period of the Peloponnesian War, to the emergence of Macedonia as a great power and the exploits of Alexander. Learn about major innovations of the era, and discover the unique nature of Spartan society.
33 min
05: Alexander the Great: Greek Culture Spreads
The conquests of Alexander the Great gave birth to the world we call Hellenistic. Observe how Alexander’s military expansionism brought a vast geographical area under the influence of Greek civilization. Note how the conquered peoples embraced Hellenistic culture, how Alexander’s empire fragmented after his death, and how the majestic city of Alexandria became a major center of learning.
33 min
06: Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and Baghdad
Explore the fascinating and conflicted relationship between the Greeks and their Roman conquerors. Take account of the profound impact of Greek culture on Rome, and how the Romans both despised and admired the Greeks. Witness the founding of the Byzantine Empire, its flourishing of scholarship and theology, and the major role of Islamic scholars in preserving and disseminating Greek learning.
36 min
07: Modern Ideas of Ancient Greece
With the fall of Constantinople in 1453, learn how the Greeks fared under Ottoman rule. Then trace the processes through which Europe rediscovered classical antiquity. Grasp the philosophical spirit of the Renaissance, which brought a sudden interest in the ancient Greeks. Chart the huge influence of Greek mythology on Western art, and how Greek literature was widely disseminated in the West.
31 min
08: The Birth of the Greek Nation-State
Here, follow the struggle of the Greeks under the Ottomans, which became a bloody political movement for Greek independence. See how European intellectuals, artists, and Europe’s major powers supported the movement, leading to the founding of the nation-state of Greece in 1830. Track Greece’s territorial expansion through the ensuing century, and its tumultuous modern history up to the present.
36 min
09: Greek Mythology: Monsters and Misfits
Delve into the nature and roles of mythology in Greek civilization. Explore the subject matter of Greek myths, as they figure in literature and art. Contemplate the function of mythology, as it helped the Greeks interpret the world and come to terms with the dark side of human experience. In particular, study the figure of the hero, and the features and meaning of the hero’s journey.
27 min
10: Greek Religion: Dangerous Gods, Tricky Heroes
For the ancient Greeks, every human activity contained a religious dimension. Examine the underlying worldview of the Greeks’ polytheistic religious beliefs, and where we find it represented in literature. Look at each of the major Greek gods, and their characteristic roles and qualities. Grasp the very human moral and psychological attributes of the gods, and what constituted piety and impiety.
30 min
11: The Sensuality of Greek Sculpture
The sublime sculpture of the ancient Greeks is among their most enduring cultural artifacts. Study the six periods of Greek sculpture, from the Archaic through the Classical and Hellenistic. In each, look at masterful examples, noting how the practice of sculpture constantly evolved. Take account of sculptural techniques, and how the sculptors achieved such sensual appeal and expressive power.
31 min
12: The Perfection of Greek Architecture
Study the primary forms of Greek architecture, which emblemize Greek civilization and have profoundly impacted architecture in the West. Visit the Acropolis of Athens as the ancient Greeks would have seen it; take in the magnificent features of the Parthenon, as well as those of other temples and civic structures. Learn also about Greek domestic architecture, house plans, and town planning.
32 min
13: The Monumentality of Greek Painting
Encounter the major styles of Greek vase painting, in examples by master painters such as the Dipylon Master and Exekias, noting their remarkable iconography portraying social ritual, war, and mythological scenes. Learn about black and red figure technique, the use of incised decoration and brushwork, and the superlative qualities of Greek painting in both conception and realization.
33 min
14: Homer’s Humanity: The Epic Experience
In exploring the genius of Homer, learn first about the features and tradition of epic poetry. In key excerpts from the Iliad, grasp Homer’s great humanity and insight into the human condition. See how the Iliad functions as a meditation on mortality, war, idealism, and loss, and how the Odyssey comprises a journey of self-realization. Witness Homer’s enduring influence in the modern world.
32 min
15: Greek Theater: Producing and Staging Plays
Uncover the origins of Greek drama, and how it evolved into the form of a chorus and masked actors. Learn about early theater festivals; the elements of a Greek theater; and how plays were selected, financed, and performed. Finally, study the rituals of theater going, the use of key theatrical devices and stage machinery, and the story of how the Greeks’ iconic plays survived into the modern era.
31 min
16: Greek Drama: Laughter and Tears
In this second look at Greek drama, examine individual plays that epitomize the genre of tragedy, such as Aeschylus’s Oresteia and Prometheus Bound, Sophocles’s Antigone and Oedipus the King, and Euripides’s Trojan Women and Medea. Explore the nature of tragedy, its meaning for audiences and existential function in the Greek world. Then investigate the sublime comic plays of Aristophanes.
32 min
17: Greek Politics, Law, and Public Speaking
Radical, participatory democracy was established in Athens in the 5th century B.C.E. Study the mindset and features of Athenian democracy, as it empowered every citizen to speak and vote, and required citizens to participate in civic affairs. Assess ancient and modern critiques of Greek democracy. Then study ancient Athenian legal practice, highlighting the system of trial by jury.
30 min
18: Greek Historians: The Birth of History
Take the measure of two of ancient Greece’s greatest historians. Begin with the work of Herodotus, often called the “father of history”; grasp the qualities of his history writing, and how he established the first principle of historiography: impartiality. Continue with Thucydides, credited with establishing the discipline of scientific history and the political theory of Realpolitik.
31 min
19: Greek Philosophy: Man and Nature
Look into the origins of the great philosophical tradition within ancient Greece, and the contributions of the early, pre-Socratic philosophers. Then examine the work of the philosophical giants Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, taking account of the core ideas, the teaching methods, and the influence of each. Conclude by exploring two major Greek philosophical traditions: Stoicism and Epicureanism.
32 min
20: Greek Science: Discovery and Controversy
Investigate the many contributions to science of the ancient Greeks, as well as the great obstacles to free inquiry that early scientists faced. Study Greek achievements in astronomy, followed by medicine, highlighting the methods and doctrines of the Hippocratic school. Also learn about the cult of the healing god Asclepius, in which rational inquiry and faith healing existed side by side.
33 min
21: The Greek Way of Waging War
The art of war was integral to ancient Greek culture. Delve into warfare as portrayed in the Iliad, observing the highly ritualistic nature of Homeric combat. Continue with the classical warfare of the hoplites; phalanxes of heavily armed soldiers; and learn about hoplite tactics, strategy, and weaponry. Study Athens’s mighty naval forces, and assess the changing rules of battlefield conduct.
32 min
22: Greek Language, Literacy, and Writing
Examine the structure of the ancient Greek language, how it embodies and expresses thought, and how common linguistic devices express the Greek mindset. Learn about the evolution of writing in Greece, and the wealth of information available to us from ancient papyri. Finally, take account of literacy in ancient Greece, and our indebtedness to literate slaves who were copyists and transcribers.
31 min
23: Eating and Drinking among the Greeks
As a final perspective on Greek culture, take a spirited look at Greek food and drink across the ages. Observe how the ancient Greeks ate, considering their diet, meal rituals, staple foods, and a signature Spartan dish. Learn about Greek food today, sampling a spectrum of standout dishes and traditional foods and wines. Then, visualize an ancient “symposium,” or traditional drinking party.
30 min
24: What Does Greece Mean to Us Today?
Begin this final lecture by reviewing criticisms leveled against the ancient Greeks, and aspects of Greek society which are “hot button” issues for the modern world, such as the repression of women and the elitist nature of their society. Conclude with five compelling reasons for studying the Greeks, from their areas of unsurpassed excellence to the beauty and wonder of their civilization.
36 min
