The Story of Ancient Greece, with Joshua Hoffman

The Story of Ancient Greece, with Joshua Hoffman
(2 sessions)

Wed, Sept 18, 25 10:30-11:45am

This two-session course focuses on the dramatic history of wars that have fascinated generations around the world. Joshua gives us illustrated talks about eras that changed the world. Session #1: The Persian War. In ancient times, four great empires ruled over the near east: Infamous Babylon, Ancient Egypt, Giant Media, and Wealthy Lydia. Then the Persian empire conquered all of them. And then, the largest empire the world had ever known set its gaze on Greece. Staring defiantly back, despite being outnumbered twenty-five to one, was a small alliance led by Sparta and Athens. This session focuses on the story of the subsequent war, the ultimate David vs. Goliath battle. Session #2: The Peloponnesian War. After the Persian War, Athens and Sparta were at the peak of their power. Athens, the world’s first democracy, wealthy beyond imagination, was the undisputed ruler of the sea. Sparta, the greatest warrior state, was the undisputed master of land combat. This is the story of how the two great Hegemons, who defeated the Persians and secured prosperity for all Greeks, threw it all away in three near-continuous decades of war. Joshua has degrees in history and education.