ARY2210

The Age of Empires: Assyria, Babylon and Persia, 900-331 BCE ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Colin A. Hope

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

Synopsis: This unit focuses upon the first great empires of the ancient Near East that came into existence during the first millennium BCE, namely Assyria, Babylon and Persia - the latter with borders extending from Afghanistan to Greece. The theories proposed for the development of imperialism in the ancient world will be examined as will the features of each empire. The unit will explore the political, economic and religious strategies that were introduced, the impact of centralization and attempts at multi-culturalism. It will take a multi-disciplinary approach, incorporating textual, archaeological and artistic sources.

Objectives: On successful completion of this unit, students will have: 1. developed an understanding of the main features of Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian culture; 2. analysed the major characteristics of early imperialist states and undertaken a comparison of the similarities and differences in their responses to empire; 3. examined the attempts at multi-culturalism and other strategies to integrate peoples of diverse backgrounds within one political entity; 4. gained insight into the different methodologies currently employed to reconstruct ancient political systems; 5. developed the ability to undertake research using a variety of sources and methodologies, integrating modern and ancient sources, and to present the results in both written and verbal forms; 6. developed the ability to participate in formal discussion and analysis of key issues.

Assessment: Model assessment (500 words): 10%; Tutorial presentation: (1000 words): 25%; Essay (2500 words): 55%; Class test (500 words): 10%

Contact Hours: 2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites: First level sequence or permission

Prohibitions: ARY 3210