上游充通大￥ SHANGHAI JIAO TONG UNIVERSITY The Evolution of Ancient Greek Civilization is an introductory course tracing the development of Greek civilization.It serves as a window "to the glory that was Greece" (Edgar Allan Poe).Topics addressed include the archeological and mythical origins of Greece,a comparison of Athens and Sparta,the Persian Wars,Athenian drama,and philosophy,the Peloponnesian War and the legendary adventures of Alexander the Great. You will examine these topics mainly as expressed in the surviving literature of the ancient world,we call them "The Great Books".These great books,we believe,offer valuable opportunities for knowing and understanding Ancient Greek Civilization itself, the sudden rise of which is seen as"the most surprising or most difficult to account for" in all human history (Bertrand Russell).By reading them,you will familiarize yourself with Greek myths,as well as with its great inventions in philosophy,drama,and political ideas.You will also gain an appreciation for what these great books say more generally about human experience,thought,and potential-and consequently for how and why they have continued to remain appealing and relevant throughout the ages