This second-year module builds on the foundations of Year 1 by introducing you to the dynamic world of the Hellenistic period. After the death of Alexander the Great, the fragmentation of his empire and the rise of new kingdoms reshaped political power, social structures, economic networks, and cultural life across the Mediterranean and Near East, paving the way for the rise of Rome. You will work with a wide range of evidence, including literary texts, inscriptions, coins, and archaeology, to reconstruct the complex history of this era. Through these sources, you will explore themes such as kingship, connectivity, cultural exchange, and the blending of local and external influences that helped create the distinctive Hellenistic world. As a Year 2 module, this course develops your ability to handle ancient evidence with greater independence and sophistication. You will refine your skills in evaluating different types of sources, assessing scholarly debates, and constructing well-supported historical arguments. By the end of the module, you will have a deeper understanding of the Hellenistic Mediterranean and the advanced analytical skills needed for more specialised study.