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Teacher
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DE SANCTIS Dino
(syllabus)
Between the fifth and fourth centuries, poleis of Sicily appeared in the western political landscape as centers of particular importance, in order to overcome the now uncomfortable status of Greek colonies. The Congress of Gela (424), while the first phase of the Peloponnesian war sees the conflict between Sparta and Athens as inexorable, marks a decisive moment for this process: Hermocrates proposes a sort of alliance between the poleis in the name of a common interest and unitary. After the expedition to Sicily in 415 which in 413 ended with the defeat of Athens, Sicily now represents de facto a great political reality, which seeks internal strengthening and a hegemonic balance. It is no coincidence that in this complex scenario Syracuse tends to emerge from the other poleis under the leadership of Dionysus I in dynamic contrast with the Carthaginians and, at the same time, interested in extending its dominion in Magna Graecia and on the Adriatic coasts.
The course intends to dwell on this phase in which the strengthening of Syracuse shines through both in internal politics and in foreign policy thanks to the presence of refined and political experts. In Syracuse, the new regime imposed by Dionysus I and the charismatic influence of his brother-in-law Dion are intertwined with the arrival of Plato who will try in several stages, to direct towards enlightened choices, in an attempt, perhaps utopian, to create a government of politicians, capable of drawing on the source of philosophy.
During the course, Plutarch's Life of Dion will be read. Attendance at lessons is recommended. Those who cannot, however, follow the course, are invited to contact the professor.
(reference books)
C. Bearzot, Manuale di Storia greca, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2015 [cap. I-II-II-IV-V]
O. Murray, La città greca, Torino, Einaudi 1993
L. Canfora, Prima lezione di storia greca, Roma, Laterza 2000
C. Ampolo, Storie greche. La formazione della moderna storiografia sugli antichi Greci, Torino, Einaudi, 1997 [pp. 38-78]
Photocopies and handouts will be distributed during the lessons.
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