The Foundations of Western Civilization

This classic Great Course has been digitally remastered to enhance the visual presentation.

Overview

Course No. 370

Professor Noble’s 48-lecture journey spans 5,000 years of history to explore:

• The birth of civilization in Mesopotamia and Egypt
• Greek philosophy to Roman imperialism
• The medieval synthesis of Christianity and classical thought
• Renaissance rebirth and Reformation upheaval

From Sumerian ziggurats to Columbus’ voyages, discover how core Western institutions and ideas developed.

Video Lectures

Part 1: Ancient Foundations

1-6. River Valley Civilizations (30-32 min)
Sumerian cities, Egyptian pyramids, Hebrew monotheism.

7-14. Greek World (30-31 min)
Athenian democracy, Socratic philosophy, Alexander’s empire.

Part 2: Roman Legacy

15-23. Republic to Empire (30-32 min)
Punic Wars, Augustan peace, Christian emergence.

24-30. Late Antiquity (30-32 min)
Diocletian’s reforms, Byzantine birth, Islamic rise.

Part 3: Medieval Synthesis

31-39. European Formations (31 min each)
Charlemagne’s realm, scholastic thought, vernacular culture.

Part 4: Early Modern Threshold

40-48. Renaissance to Reformation (30-33 min)
Medici Florence, Luther’s protest, global exploration.