This is the first of a series of courses to explore the history and significance of great cities from ancient history. Athens, Jerusalem, Nineveh and Carthage are four cities that have changed the course of history. This course explores many aspects of these cities from day-to-day life to their contribution to the development of human society. We look at the people who founded these cities and led them. We look at the contribution they made to the growth of civilisation as well as the growth of empire and conquest.

DELIVERY MODE

• Hybrid (F2F & Online simultaneously)

COURSE OUTLINE

• The founding of Athens, its growth into the founder of western democracy and the role it played in the great wars of the time and the reasons for its eventual demise
• Jerusalem was and still is central to three world religions. It has long been the centre of conflict and competition between these religions and world powers. We look at how this important city evolved
• Nineveh was one of the great cities of ancient times and in the middle of the crucible of civilisation. We explore its development and importance
• Carthage was the first great competition for Rome and was the end result of centuries of Mediterranean immigratioin and empire building. We explore its growth and demise.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the founding and development of each city
2. Trace their role in the ancient world and what contribution they made
3. See how they added to human development
4. Understand their history and, in most circumstances, their fall