Intro to Ancient Military History

This class examines the development of military tactics and strategy in the ancient and classical Mediterranean world. We'll learn about infantry, cavalry, and even war elephants. We'll study significant battles from history, and we'll get to know some of the greatest military minds of the ancient world. Each week we will explore a different culture in the classical Mediterranean and their notable tactics, battles and generals.

While this class focuses on warfare, we use military history as an entry point to uncover the cultural elements and political tensions that framed the defining -- often existential -- struggles faced by ancient civilizations. In this pursuit, the scope of the class goes far beyond simple battle plans. Delivered in a lecture format that feels more like passionate story telling, this class is tremendously information-dense. Students will come away with a detailed understanding of multiple perspectives on why and how these cultures went to war, what was at stake, and how these events shaped history.

This is the introduction to a six-part series on ancient military history that stretches from the dawning of Mesopotamian civilizations to the twilight of the Roman republic. All six parts of Ancient Military History can be taken across two semesters (32 weeks), and I do my best to schedule them that way. Discounts are available when booking multiple parts at once. Check out my profile for details on the whole series.

Curriculum:
Week 1: The Greek Phalanx -- Using a block of men behind a shield and spear wall, the Athenians and Spartans stood up against the most advanced military the world had yet seen: Persia. How did they do it? We'll study the battles of Marathon and Thermopylae to find the answers.

Week 2: Alexander’s Cavalry in Persia -- Mounted troops allowed Alexander to conquer the known world and develop a method of combat still taught in military academies today. We'll look at the battles of the Granicus River and Gaugamela, and see his mastery of the horse on brilliant display.

Week 3: Hannibal and Mental Warfare -- Hannibal did what no one believed possible: he brought down Rome. He did it with psychology and shrewd strategy in the Italian peninsula. 

Week 4: Caesar in Gaul: Structure and Adaptability -- Julius Caesar was intelligent, adaptable and relentless. Caesar's campaigns in Gaul will give us a good look at his military genius and the unparalleled effectiveness with which he used the Roman war machine.

No background knowledge or special prep is required and no homework either. I'm happy to recommend further reading.

If none of the listed times work for you, please reach out.