Unsung Heroes of the Ancient World

Alexander the Great and Socrates are household names. But what about antiquity's lesser-known figures-the intellectuals, inventors, queens, and con men who shaped history for better and for worse? Kick off the course by getting to know Cimon, a Greek politician and military general, who helped transform Athens into a world power.

Long considered the cradle of democracy, Greece was also home to despotic governments—many of them quite successful. Become acquainted with one of Greece’s most impressive tyrants: Polycrates of Samos. Survey the tremendous military, economic, and material successes that transformed Samos from a sleepy island to a major regional power under his leadership.

When we think of ancient Greek city-states, we most often think of Athens and Sparta. But in 400 BC, the quiet city of Thebes surged to the top, led by the frugal but fierce Epaminondas. See how Epaminondas organized a potent fighting force in his home region to throw off the yoke of Spartan oppression.

Turn your attention to two obscure Alexandrian inventors: Ctesibius and Hero. See how the inventions of the pump, improved water clock, and catapult of Ctseibius redefined pneumatics to shape the material world we live in today. And, look closely at the ingenuity behind some of Hero’s most elaborate inventions—from automated puppet theaters to holy water vending machines.

Athletes enjoyed near mythic reverence and popularity in the ancient world. Get to know some of the amateur sportsmen who dominated athletics thousands of years ago, like the skilled wrestler Milo of Croton, the powerful boxer Theagenes of Thasos, the Diagoras of Rhodes sports dynasty, and master long-jumper Phayllus of Croton.

One of the most fearsome empires in world history, Rome encountered rebellion and resistance from a host of defiant subjects, with the most potent threat being a charismatic and cunning North African prince named Jugurtha. Examine Jugurtha’s brutal rise to power within Numidia, before reflecting on the legacy he left behind.