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Ancient Greek Civilization

By: Jeremy McInerney, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Jeremy McInerney PhD University of California at Berkeley
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Publisher's Summary

Clearly, the Greeks are a source of much that we esteem in our own culture: democracy, philosophy, tragedy, epic and lyric poetry, history-writing, our aesthetic sensibilities, ideals of athletic competition, and more. But what is it about Hellenic culture that has made generations of influential scholars and writers view it as the essential starting point for understanding the art and reflection that define the West? This series of 24 lectures by an accomplished Greek scholar and teacher traces the complex web of links between the present and its Mediterranean origins, taking you from the Late Bronze Age up to the time of Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander the Great. It's an intellectual journey that lets you see ancient Greek civilization in the light shed by the newest and best research and criticism, expanding your understanding of history, literature, art, philosophy, religion, and more.

With a special focus on the two crucial centuries from 600-400 B.C.-the era of the Persian and Peloponnesian wars and of classical Athens as described in the histories of Herodotus and Thucydides and the philosophic dialogues of Plato-you'll come to understand how the uniquely "Greek" identity was forged, and how it gave root to so much of what we consider vital about our own present day. Just as important, you'll learn how the differences between our own modern values and beliefs and those of the Hellenic world-including slavery and the exclusion of women from public life-do not imply a lack of relevance to our own times but can instead teach us as just much as our affinities.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1998 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)1998 The Great Courses

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Brilliant & Informative History

Excellent, scholarly series of lively lectures covering the essential A-Z of classical Greece. Worth the long haul!

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Thoughtful, concise and engaging

Professor McInerney presents a fascinating series of lectures which infuse so much genuine enthusiasm and nuance to Ancient Greek civilisation. I appreciated his presenting multiple theories and using evidence to substantiate his reasoning for supporting a certain proposal over another. The language was evocative as well as entertaining, but the compressed academic breadth made for supremely enjoyable listening.

It’s such a pity he doesn’t have more Great Courses series.

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Amazing History

just learning how the Greek culture evolved and think is a real eye opener. The lectures are very interesting and jam packed of information. I really enjoyed this Audible book, I hope you do to.

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