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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Ethan A. Spanier
HSTAM 205
Seattle Campus

Military History of the Ancient World

Military history from prehistoric times to the fall of the Roman Empire, with special emphasis on the Greco-Roman period and the campaigns of Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Scipio Africanus, and Julius Caesar.

Class description

From the Bronze Age Mesopotamians to the fall of Rome, war often decided the course of ancient history. This class is a practical introduction to the study of warfare in the ancient world, beginning with Egypt and Mesopotamia, and tracing the advances made in battle tactics, technology, and government over hundreds of years, culminating with developments in Greece and the Roman Empire.

The chronological structure of the class will trace certain general themes down through the centuries: how various civilizations waged war; who served in the various armies and why; what type of government controlled these armies; and from what type of society they sprang. Major events and important individuals are discussed in their historical contexts, providing a complete understanding of underlying causes.

This is a "W" class.

Student learning goals

Improve critical thinking

Improve writing skill

Have fun

General method of instruction

Recommended preparation

HIST 111 is appreciated

Class assignments and grading


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Ethan A. Spanier
Date: 06/18/2009