This course explores the political, intellectual, and philosophical developments of the ancient Greeks, focusing on the rise of democracy and empire in the Mediterranean, particularly in Athens. It examines the tension between Athenian democracy, which promoted political freedom, and its imperial ambitions, raising questions about the relationship between democracy and empire. Through a comparison of Athens and Sparta, the course highlights differing social and political ideologies, while also delving into classical Greek philosophy and its relevance to contemporary issues. The course concludes with an analysis of Alexander the Great’s achievements and the spread of Hellenism.