This module covers the period from the death of Alexander the Great (323 BC) to the death of Antigonus Doson (221 BC). Within the overall history of the Hellenistic world between these dates, attention will focus on the development of, and relations between, the kingdoms, especially the Ptolemaic, Seleucid and Antigonid kingdoms. Attention will be given to such themes as the emergence, development and nature of Hellenistic monarchy, and the relationships between the kingdoms, but also their relations with the Greeks and other peoples.

• display a knowledge of the main events and developments of the period.
• analyse critically the historical sources for the period: literary, visual, archaeological and documentary.
• demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of key approaches to and debates about the period.
• discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

10 lectures and 2 seminars; independent study

The lectures provide an introduction to a particular topic, establishing the key points of major course themes, identifying important issues, and providing guidance for more in-depth reading. They aim to provide a basic framework for understanding, and should be thought of as a useful starting-point for further discussion and independent study. Handouts and slides are used to illustrate the material discussed.

The seminars provide an opportunity for students to analyse and discuss key issues and topics in the module, and to get feedback on their ideas from the tutor and their peers. Handouts with material for study and suggestions for preparatory reading will be circulated prior to the seminars.

Independent study enables students to familiarise themselves with the primary source material and the most important modern approaches and debates on the subject. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for major themes and lecture topics.

• assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
• critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
• constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
• clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
• employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of literary and material evidence
• bibliographic and referencing skills
• contributing to group discussions
• using IT resources effectively
• independent working and time management

The module will be assessed through an exam consisting of one essay question and one source criticism exercise, weighted 70:30.

The essay question will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and critical understanding of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to the Hellenistic kingdoms.

In the source criticism exercise, specific written or material sources relating to the period will be set, and students will have to assess their significance, thus deploying their knowledge of the period and interpretations of it.

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will normally be expected to resit the failed component(s) in the summer resit period.

• the sources for the period
• the death of the Argead dynasty and the emergence of the new kings and kingdoms
• relations between Greeks and the kingdoms
• other players: leagues, the Attalids, Rhodes
• the government of the kingdoms
• relations between the kingdoms
• relations between kings and subjects
• religion and the kings and queens

Plutarch, Lives of Eumenes and Demetrius

M. Austin, The Hellenistic World (2006)

R.M. Berthold, Rhodes in the Hellenistic Age (1984)

R.A. Billows, Antigonos the One-Eyed and the Creation of the Hellenistic State (1990)

W.M. Ellis, Ptolemy of Egypt (1993)

J.J. Gabbert, Antigonus II Gonatas (1997)

J.D. Grainger, Seleukos Nikator: Constructing a Hellenistic Kingdom (1990)

C. Habicht, Athens from Alexander to Antony (1997)

E.V. Hanson, The Attalids of Pergamum (1971)

G. Holbl, A History of the Ptolemaic Empire (2000)

J. Hornblower, Hieronymus of Cardia (1981)

J. Larsen, Greek Federal States (1968)

H. Lund, Lysimachus: A Study in Early Hellenistic Kingship (1992)

D. Ogden, Polygamy, Prostitutes and Death: The Hellenistic Dynasties (1999)

G. Shipley, The Greek World after Alexander, 323–30 BC (2000)

F. Walbank, The Hellenistic World (1992)

See the module handout for the full reading list.