In a 5-6 pages text, use relevant information from the textbook (The Hellenistic World by F.W. Walbank) and, most importantly, the sourcebook (The Hellenistic World from Alexander to the Roman Conquest by M. Austin) to answer one of the following questions.

1.      Explain the evolution of kingship from the time of Alexander to the end of the Hellenistic period.

2.      Compare Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties through their ways of ruling.

3.      Explain the new place of the Greek city-state in the Hellenistic world.

4.      Through the events and the correspondence of the time of the Hellenistic kingdoms, try to explain how diplomacy and foreign policy worked in the Hellenistic world.

5.      Explain the role and importance of euergetai (benefactors) in the Hellenistic world.

Recommendations

·        Use as many ancient sources as you can to illustrate your points, but always be careful: confront them between each other and try to read between the lines.

·        Never be only descriptive: explain and analyze and give examples.

·        Be precise and avoid irrelevant generalizations.

·        The essay is short, thus every element of your text will be important: do not insist on useless however entertaining details.

·        Be careful with the information you use: it must be relevant and reasonably sure.

·        To be sure to use in the best possible way elements given by an ancient author, first make sure you know who he is, where he comes from and when he lived. You may find such information in dictionaries, encyclopedias or on the World Wide Web.

·        When you provide information, always specify in a footnote where it comes from.

·        If you are using an older version of Austin’s book, please specify it in your bibliography.

Composition and diction

·        Divide your text in paragraphs (one for each important idea).

·        Try to write in a clear and concise style (use reasonably short sentences, with subject, verb and complement).

·        By all means use appropriate technical language, but as far as possible express yourself in normal English words.

• Never use words with which you are not familiar.

Deadline: February 26, 2007

In addition to your paper copy, do not forget to send by e-mail an electronic copy of your essay (preferably in MSWord) to your teacher.

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Remember that late essays and other practical works will be penalized by reduction of one grade point (e.g. from A+ to A) for each day of lateness and that no essay or outline will be accepted more than one week after the day it was due (except for documented medical reasons).