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Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Age
12 hours 13 mins
This series of 24 lectures examines a crucial period in the history of the ancient world, the age ushered in by the extraordinary conquests of Alexander the Great. In all the annals of the ancient world, few stories are more gripping than those from this era.
In the opening lectures, you'll explore the enigma of Alexander, son of a brilliant father, yet always at odds with the man whom he succeeded. You'll trace his early campaigns against the Persians and follow him to Egypt, where he was acclaimed as the son of god. You'll then look at his career after this and find in him a blend of greatness and madness as he strove to replace the Persian empire of the Achaemenid dynasty with a new, mixed ruling class of Macedonians and Persians.
From there, you'll delve into the catastrophic period after Alexander's death in 323 B.C., which ushered in a period of catastrophic change as ambitious warlords carved up Alexander's realm into their own separate empires. You'll learn about each of the three kingdoms that resulted: Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleucid Syria, and the Attalid Empire in Asia Minor. Just as important to these lectures are the in-depth discussions of the bounties of Hellenistic culture, which contributed landmark ideas in everything from philosophy (which became more academic), art and architecture (with its excessive, naked emotions), and religion (especially the growing popularity of cult movements). Taken all together, these lectures are an engrossing and riveting journey into ancient history-and the life and times of the man who left an indelible mark on everything that would come after.
This series of 24 lectures examines a crucial period in the history of the ancient world, the age ushered in by the extraordinary conquests of Alexander the Great. In all the annals of the ancient world, few stories are more gripping than those from this era.
In the opening lectures, you'll explore the enigma of Alexander, son of a brilliant father, yet always at odds with the man whom he succeeded. You'll trace his early campaigns against the Persians and follow him to Egypt, where he was acclaimed as the son of god. You'll then look at his career after this and find in him a blend of greatness and madness as he strove to replace the Persian empire of the Achaemenid dynasty with a new, mixed ruling class of Macedonians and Persians.
From there, you'll delve into the catastrophic period after Alexander's death in 323 B.C., which ushered in a period of catastrophic change as ambitious warlords carved up Alexander's realm into their own separate empires. You'll learn about each of the three kingdoms that resulted: Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleucid Syria, and the Attalid Empire in Asia Minor. Just as important to these lectures are the in-depth discussions of the bounties of Hellenistic culture, which contributed landmark ideas in everything from philosophy (which became more academic), art and architecture (with its excessive, naked emotions), and religion (especially the growing popularity of cult movements). Taken all together, these lectures are an engrossing and riveting journey into ancient history-and the life and times of the man who left an indelible mark on everything that would come after.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 28, 2021
Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Age is another fascinating lecture series by Dr. Jeremy McInerney of the University of Pennsylvania. It examines the world created by Alexander's conquest of the Persian Empire and his untimely death at age thirty-two.
The first four lectures focus upon Alexander's life, career, and legacy and investigate the "Alexander legend." McInerney assesses the historiography of Alexander in an attempt to move beyond the conflicting portraits that depict him as either idealist multiculturalist or despotic megalomaniac.
McInerney then explores Alexander's generals' division of the Persian empire into the eastern Mediterranean's Hellenistic kingdoms and provides a critical analysis of this colonial model. He masterfully uses primary sources to illuminate daily life and demonstrates how changes in the arts; sculpture, poetry, and novels support his finely crafted portrait of the period.
I found his lectures on the Maccabean revolt especially interesting. By placing the events within a broad historical context, he provided new insights and a more sophisticated interpretation of a legendary story.
I knew very little about the Hellenistic Age before I took this course.
I learned a great deal and highly recommend it to anyone interested in this period.
The first four lectures focus upon Alexander's life, career, and legacy and investigate the "Alexander legend." McInerney assesses the historiography of Alexander in an attempt to move beyond the conflicting portraits that depict him as either idealist multiculturalist or despotic megalomaniac.
McInerney then explores Alexander's generals' division of the Persian empire into the eastern Mediterranean's Hellenistic kingdoms and provides a critical analysis of this colonial model. He masterfully uses primary sources to illuminate daily life and demonstrates how changes in the arts; sculpture, poetry, and novels support his finely crafted portrait of the period.
I found his lectures on the Maccabean revolt especially interesting. By placing the events within a broad historical context, he provided new insights and a more sophisticated interpretation of a legendary story.
I knew very little about the Hellenistic Age before I took this course.
I learned a great deal and highly recommend it to anyone interested in this period.
October 3, 2021
There are a lot more books on Alexander the Great than on the age he began, so this Great Courses book was a welcome opportunity to take a look at how Alexander’s conquests influenced so much of the world. It includes a couple of chapters on Alexander, a few on the major successor states, and then starts to go much deeper, looking at topics like literature, philosophy, the idea of kingship, and the impact that the Hellenized world had on the development of Rome and the west. My favorite two chapters dealt with the Maccabean Revolt in Judea. Overall, this is a fascinating look at the world between the conquests of Alexander and Rome.
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If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
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October 16, 2022A Brilliant General, Charismatic Leader, and Maniacal Personality
Alexander is widely viewed as probably the greatest military genius of the ancient Western world, being a fully mature commander at the ripe age of 18 when his father Philip II of Macedon was assassinated, coming into this sudden baptism by fire in the midst of war without any seeming hesitations, and then pursuing victory after victory, fighting in the thick of battle at the forefront, driving his armies further east than any leader before him. He was more tolerant of kingdoms he vanquished than was common at the time, but entirely ruthless to those who resisted. He was well educated and highly-intelligent, fearless, and instinctual.
This all served to fuel the expansion of his empire to unforeseen heights at a blistering pace that has never been repeated. And yet he seemed to have no limits to his ambitions or drive, and it was his army itself that refused to go further East and forced him to turn back home to Macedonia. When he died of a fever at age 32, he still had plans to conquer further West, and we can only speculate how well this sprawling empire would have held together if he had lived longer.
As it turns out, the empire almost immediately into a squabble among his generals and eventually was split into three main kingdoms that in some cases lasted for centuries afterwards, leaving a profound legacy of Hellenic cultural influence on their subject territories, before falling under the sway of the Roman Republic centuries later.
Alexander is widely viewed as probably the greatest military genius of the ancient Western world, being a fully mature commander at the ripe age of 18 when his father Philip II of Macedon was assassinated, coming into this sudden baptism by fire in the midst of war without any seeming hesitations, and then pursuing victory after victory, fighting in the thick of battle at the forefront, driving his armies further east than any leader before him. He was more tolerant of kingdoms he vanquished than was common at the time, but entirely ruthless to those who resisted. He was well educated and highly-intelligent, fearless, and instinctual.
This all served to fuel the expansion of his empire to unforeseen heights at a blistering pace that has never been repeated. And yet he seemed to have no limits to his ambitions or drive, and it was his army itself that refused to go further East and forced him to turn back home to Macedonia. When he died of a fever at age 32, he still had plans to conquer further West, and we can only speculate how well this sprawling empire would have held together if he had lived longer.
As it turns out, the empire almost immediately into a squabble among his generals and eventually was split into three main kingdoms that in some cases lasted for centuries afterwards, leaving a profound legacy of Hellenic cultural influence on their subject territories, before falling under the sway of the Roman Republic centuries later.
February 16, 2021
This course covers a fascinating period in Ancient history. Most classical histories of Greece end with the death of Alexander and most histories of Rome reach the Greek world with Sulla's conquests in the east. This course provides an important bridge between the two.
Another reason why I found this course very helpful is it cleared some assumptions I had about the Hellenistic period. I used to think that the Hellenistic kingdoms were some kind of perfect synthesis of the west and the east; at least based on how profound an impact the Gandhara school of art had on Indian culture. But McInerney shows that the Greek rulers were no better than rapacious colonizers of the 19th century.
Another disappointment was McInerney's assertion that Alexander failed not just in establishing a single political empire, but also failed in establishing his vision of such an empire - one of cultural syncretism. I used to believe that Alexander was great because he achieved what nobody else did and had a lasting impact on the world. But in terms of conquests, Alexander captured the same regions that Cyrus the Great had captured 250 years earlier; not to mention that Cyrus founded a lasting empire while Alexander did not.
It's the final third of the series that was most impactful for me - how Rome integrated Greek culture through the Hellenistic kingdoms. "The wealth was east" is a common refrain in any course on Roman History. In this series, we learn why and how.
Another reason why I found this course very helpful is it cleared some assumptions I had about the Hellenistic period. I used to think that the Hellenistic kingdoms were some kind of perfect synthesis of the west and the east; at least based on how profound an impact the Gandhara school of art had on Indian culture. But McInerney shows that the Greek rulers were no better than rapacious colonizers of the 19th century.
Another disappointment was McInerney's assertion that Alexander failed not just in establishing a single political empire, but also failed in establishing his vision of such an empire - one of cultural syncretism. I used to believe that Alexander was great because he achieved what nobody else did and had a lasting impact on the world. But in terms of conquests, Alexander captured the same regions that Cyrus the Great had captured 250 years earlier; not to mention that Cyrus founded a lasting empire while Alexander did not.
It's the final third of the series that was most impactful for me - how Rome integrated Greek culture through the Hellenistic kingdoms. "The wealth was east" is a common refrain in any course on Roman History. In this series, we learn why and how.
June 2, 2022
I listened to Alexander The Great And The Hellanistic Age through my Audible Plus account! It's a series of lectures condensed in to one easy audiobook
Alexander The Great And The Hellanistic Age covers just that. It sets the stage with his father's reign, and how King Phillip set the stage for Alexander to conquer as much as he did. Then we follow each of his successors, as they carve out a little piece of history and the world for themselves
This book covered a lot of time, and was able to provide a solid overview of the political, religious, art, and military history of this time.
I had to double check what time this was published though, because of some of the terms. [It is listed to be published in 2013 but I do not know when the original lecture were given.] The lecturer uses the term Half Wit to describe someone, and uses the word schizophrenia/schizophrenic to describe a ruling style. It rubbed me the wrong way. Cleopatra was also only described as the miatreas of Ceaser and Antony, when as a Hellanistic queen, she should have been described as such.
I think that this book provided a solid overview of this age, but I will want to read other things to dive deeper. This series definitely sparked my interest to know more!
Alexander The Great And The Hellanistic Age covers just that. It sets the stage with his father's reign, and how King Phillip set the stage for Alexander to conquer as much as he did. Then we follow each of his successors, as they carve out a little piece of history and the world for themselves
This book covered a lot of time, and was able to provide a solid overview of the political, religious, art, and military history of this time.
I had to double check what time this was published though, because of some of the terms. [It is listed to be published in 2013 but I do not know when the original lecture were given.] The lecturer uses the term Half Wit to describe someone, and uses the word schizophrenia/schizophrenic to describe a ruling style. It rubbed me the wrong way. Cleopatra was also only described as the miatreas of Ceaser and Antony, when as a Hellanistic queen, she should have been described as such.
I think that this book provided a solid overview of this age, but I will want to read other things to dive deeper. This series definitely sparked my interest to know more!
August 21, 2022
Solid and quite interesting lecture series on Alexander the Great and the successor kingdoms that arose from his empire. This is a fascinating period of history that I haven't often seen explored in such detail. McInerney does an excellent job, keeping his listeners engaged and providing a wealth of information.
March 4, 2019
This is a great book if, like me, you are interested not only in the figure of Alexander, but also in how his influence shaped the world in the centuries after his death.
The only downside of the book are the moments where the author tries to parallel with the state of the world nowadays. Comments in the line of "the Hellenistic age was one of increasing inequity, which is a thing we can relate with the current world situation" are misfortunated at the very least. Saying so when today we live in the most equalitarian period of history and the average poverty is at its minimum, it sounds more like a political agenda in classroom rather than a historical remark.
The only downside of the book are the moments where the author tries to parallel with the state of the world nowadays. Comments in the line of "the Hellenistic age was one of increasing inequity, which is a thing we can relate with the current world situation" are misfortunated at the very least. Saying so when today we live in the most equalitarian period of history and the average poverty is at its minimum, it sounds more like a political agenda in classroom rather than a historical remark.
June 4, 2017
An excellent series of lectures. The professor kept my interest throughout despite my lack of knowledge about this entire era. I listened to it as an audio book and simply enjoyed every minute. All the detail of real life during this period was made vivid in my mind thanks to the way he wrote. I will be looking for more from this lecturer!!!!
PS I now know what the Punic wars were about and who was involved. Who woulda thought!
PS I now know what the Punic wars were about and who was involved. Who woulda thought!
November 2, 2021
The lectures were almost all rather interesting, although I eventually started hearing overlap between one and another. It seems that McInerney has posed the theory that Alexander's influence was lessened significantly by the fact that his conquests were vast but his reign only lasted a short time before he died. I was always struck by the fact that ruins in Pakistan often showed Greek influence, but of limited nature.
July 13, 2024
Minus one star for repeatedly misusing 'schizophrenic' and referring to one particular figure as a 'half-wit'', plus a whole lot of mistakes.
December 30, 2024
Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Age by Jeremy McInerney was a fantastic course to close out the three that he produced for the Teaching Company, the other two being the Age of Pericles and a general survey on Greek history. While I would say that I really enjoyed this course and found it to be another exemplary example of what social history should be, I can't help but find that too much was squeezed into too little room. This course needed another 12 lectures to breath, both for other aspects of social development, and to avoid a rushed climax and transition around Rome. Three lectures is not really enough time. Pompeii's rearrangement of the East, Rome's final conquest of Egypt, and the establishment of the earlier provinces centered around Greece and Macedon were treated within a single lecture, which is insane given how much detail McInerney gave earlier. Not only do I wish this course was longer, I also wish McInerney was granted a couple other courses to develop - perhaps focusing on Rome or the Peloponnesian Wars. He's also young enough that he could easily be brought back for more. But, for what we have, he's been utterly fantastic.
January 4, 2024
Very much enjoyed this, and am looking forward to reading the other Great Courses audiobooks.
I learned so much about what comes AFTER Alexander the Great, something that I really didn't have a firm grasp on. This audiobook really gives the reader a great overview of Hellenistic spread throughout the world and the actual goings-on of the various regions and how these exert influence still in today's world.
I learned so much about what comes AFTER Alexander the Great, something that I really didn't have a firm grasp on. This audiobook really gives the reader a great overview of Hellenistic spread throughout the world and the actual goings-on of the various regions and how these exert influence still in today's world.
October 23, 2023
I actually watched the video lectures of this class. It was fantastic! The lecturer had a clear speaking style, and his visual aids made the course easy to understand. Recommended for all older teens and adults interested in the subject! I especially liked his use of original sources, and many quotes!
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April 3, 2025This was a great introduction and overview of Alexander the Great’s influence and the history of the Hellenistic Age. McInerney was able to pull from Hellenistic art, philosophy, cults, and literature to present a beginner friendly but also comprehensive and interconnected view of this fascinating period of Greek history.
October 27, 2018
Always wanted to fill the gap between Alexander and Rome
July 15, 2019
Second history of ATG I've read in as many years, but this one included context, which was nice.
July 31, 2019
Really enjoyed this series of lectures about Alexander the Great.
December 2, 2021
How amazing was this man? Holy moly.
July 30, 2022
This was a wonderful course! I learned much!
October 20, 2022
Alexander the Not so Great.
Alexander was not that impressive and we should consider dispensing with his title. The Hellenistic Age was very interesting. however and made the course worthwhile.
Alexander was not that impressive and we should consider dispensing with his title. The Hellenistic Age was very interesting. however and made the course worthwhile.
June 28, 2023
Love the combination of facts, stories, and analysis.
Wish there was more than a couple of chapters on Alexander’s story. Loved the analysis of Hellenistic sculpture.
Wish there was more than a couple of chapters on Alexander’s story. Loved the analysis of Hellenistic sculpture.
September 16, 2023
Fascinating and very well taught!
January 1, 2025
Very little about Alexander, mostly about the Hellenistic Age
December 12, 2025
Loved this! The professor was incredible. This made me fall in love with history all over again.
February 29, 2024
Well told
Not boring.
A lot of the lectures are after Alexander’s death, but still good. I learned a lot!
Not boring.
A lot of the lectures are after Alexander’s death, but still good. I learned a lot!
February 3, 2017
Hellenistic world was just a phase between the classical period of Greece and the Roman Empire to me, with its degradation of art and fractured political units. But through this course, a vast picture with every aspect of life, art, economics, politics, daily life, even religion were painted in front of me. The professor did a great job here, and in my opinion, even better than his course on classical period.
December 3, 2013
Rating 3.5 out of 5
The course is interesting it start out with Alexander the great Life then will concentrate on the Hellenistic Kingdom established by his generals after his death till there fall and end at the rise of the Roman Empire.
I didn't like that he separated the non-combat issues in their own lectures but overall the course is enjoyable and contain a good amount of learning materials
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November 19, 2013A fascinating treatment of the Hellenistic period. Particular compelling for the inexperienced reader of ancient history, for whom its place between the Roman narrative and Athenian narrative, serving neither, is novel.
July 30, 2011
lots of detail!
September 8, 2012
UPenn lectures for free (got discs from library)? Yes please. Ah, it feels good to learn again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews