
This is an introductory course in Greek history tracing the development of Greek civilization as manifested in political, intellectual, and creative achievements from the Bronze Age to the end of the classical period.

Explore the dangerous role of royal food tasters throughout history, examining their duties, risks, and historical significance in protecting monarchs from poisoning attempts.

Explore Viking expansion, trade networks, and cultural impact across Europe and beyond, examining their role in shaping the early Middle Ages and setting the stage for the rise of Western civilization.

Explore the decline of Charlemagne's empire, examining internal weaknesses, external threats, and the Treaty of Verdun's impact on shaping modern European territories.

Explore Charlemagne's rise and the Carolingian dynasty's impact on European history, from their overthrow of the Merovingians to the establishment of a new Roman Empire.

Explore the paradoxes of early medieval monasticism, its evolution from asceticism to communal life, and its unexpected role in preserving learning and scholarship in the West.

Explorez la société mérovingienne : pouvoir, violence et religion dans l'Europe post-romaine. Découvrez comment les liens familiaux et l'Église ont façonné cette période tumultueuse de l'histoire franque.

Explore Emperor Justinian's reign, including his military campaigns, legal reforms, and architectural achievements, through the writings of Procopius in this Yale University lecture on Early Middle Ages history.

Explore the fall of the Western Roman Empire, examining causes, invading groups, and the debate between gradual decline and catastrophic collapse in this historical analysis.

Explore the Byzantine Empire's evolution from 284-1000 CE, covering expansion under Justinian, periods of crisis and contraction, military reorganization, religious conflicts, and territorial gains.

Explore the pivotal 7th century in medieval history, examining the Abbasid decline, rise of Islam, changes in Europe and Byzantium, and the Pirenne thesis on Mediterranean disruption.

Explore Islamic conquests, their rapid expansion, and internal divisions. Understand factors behind Arab success and the origins of Sunni-Shiite split in early Muslim history.

Explore the origins of Islam, Mohammed's life, and early Islamic development in the context of 7th century Arabia, including key beliefs and its differentiation from other religions.

Explore Gregory of Tours' account of Merovingian kings, focusing on Clovis' rise to power, the Franks' Catholic conversion, and the supernatural's role in early medieval history.

Explore the rise of barbarian kingdoms after the fall of Western Rome, their characteristics, and impact on European society during the Early Middle Ages.

Explores community responses to bubonic plague, from panic and persecution to religious revivals and the emergence of public health programs, examining their effectiveness in combating the pandemic.

Explore the emergence of the Greek polis, its significance in ancient society, and the role of the hoplite farmer in shaping this new political and cultural entity.

Explore Weber's theory on the shift from status to class in determining life chances, comparing feudal and modern capitalist eras, and examining the interplay between class and status in society.

Explore the true story of Vlad the Impaler, from his tumultuous childhood to his brutal reign and conflicts with Ottoman Turks and Saxons. Uncover the historical facts behind the legendary figure that inspired Dracula.

Explore Richard I's life, from birth to legendary status. Uncover his crusades, battles, imprisonment, and impact on English history. Separate fact from myth about the Lionheart's reign.

Explore historical inaccuracies and omitted details from the Saladin & 3rd Crusade series, covering topics like Baldwin V's leprosy, city holiness, and Richard's absence impact.