Classical Greece. The Peloponnesian War and the 4th Century BC
Museo L’Iber presents a new course on the history of Classical Greece in Valencia: Classical Greece. The Peloponnesian War and the 4th Century BC, a journey through the most influential events, figures and ideas of Greek civilization, taught by historian Antonio Penadés.
Taught by historian, journalist and writer Antonio Penadés, the course offers a journey through the 5th and 4th centuries BC, a decisive era in which Greece achieved an extraordinary political, cultural, artistic and philosophical development. From the clash between Athens and Sparta to the rise of Macedonia, participants will discover the historical processes that shaped the ancient world and whose legacy is still present in our society today.
Over ten sessions, the main events of this period will be examined through rigorous explanations supported by maps, photographs, classical sources and works of art. Special attention will be paid to the geographical context of historical events and to understanding the ideas, institutions and ways of thinking that emerged in Classical Greece.
Among other topics, the course will cover the Peloponnesian War, the expedition of the Ten Thousand, the hegemony of Thebes, the renewal of Athenian power during the 4th century BC, the role of Homer in shaping Greek culture, as well as the thought of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The course will conclude with the rise of Macedonia and the figure of Philip II, forerunner of the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Instructors
Antonio Penadés
Antonio Penadés will teach the first nine sessions of the course. A historian, journalist and lawyer, he is the author of landmark works on the Greek world such as La gesta de las Termópilas (“The Feat of Thermopylae”) and El declive de Atenas (“The Decline of Athens”), as well as several historical novels and travel books devoted to classical antiquity.
Those wishing to learn more about Antonio Penadés’ background can consult his professional career at: Career – Antonio Penadés
Alejandro Noguera Borel
The tenth session will be given by Alejandro Noguera Borel, director of Museo L’Iber and of Fundación Libertas 7, a specialist in Ancient History and Archaeology. His talk will bring the course to a close and offer an overview of the Macedonia of Philip II and the context that made possible the expansion of Alexander the Great.
His academic background and activity can be found through the following references:
CV · LinkedIn · Academia.edu · Google Scholar
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at history enthusiasts as well as students, teachers and anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the Greek world and its influence on Western culture.
No prior knowledge is required, only curiosity and an interest in discovering one of the most fascinating periods in history.
Practical information
Location
Sala de los Tapices of Museo L’Iber
Calle Caballeros, 22 · Valencia
Format
In person or online via Zoom. The access link is provided after registration.
Schedule
Tuesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. (every two weeks)
Duration
10 sessions of 90 minutes
October 2026 – February 2027
Price
€250 for the full course
10% discount for Friends of the Museum
€30 per individual session
Registration
+34 963 918 675
+34 697 643 479
info@museoliber.org
Program
The course is structured in ten sessions that trace the evolution of the Greek world from the Peloponnesian War to the consolidation of Macedonian hegemony:
- Peloponnesian War I: causes and the first phase of the conflict.
- Peloponnesian War II: the Peace of Nicias and the Sicilian expedition.
- Peloponnesian War III: the outcome of the war and the fall of Athens.
- The Spartan Empire and the expedition of the Ten Thousand.
- The hegemony of Thebes and the figure of Epaminondas.
- The Second Athenian Maritime Empire.
- Homer: the Iliad and the Odyssey as the foundation of Greek culture.
- Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.
- The rise of Macedonia and the Battle of Chaeronea.
- Philip II of Macedon and the world inherited by Alexander the Great.
Classical Greek history course in Valencia
This course on the history of Classical Greece in Valencia explores many of the political, philosophical and cultural ideas that continue to influence our present. It offers the chance to engage with that legacy alongside one of Spain’s leading experts in the popularization of the history of the Greek world.
Places are limited.
Registration and information
The Greece course is part of the educational program of L’Iber, Museo de los soldaditos de plomo and Fundación Libertas 7.
Anyone interested can find full course details and register using the downloadable PDF form below.
