Epochs of European Civilization: Antiquity to Renaissance

by Geoffrey Hosking

The four main themes of this course are answers to the question, "What makes Europe distinctive compared with other parts of the world?"
1. The Nation State. The idea of the State or sovereign authority takes on a new significance when it is attached to a nation or a people who have an idea of a common origin and identity. This idea was developed first and most powerfully in Europe.
2. Citizenship. When a nation is made up of citizens, they feel a greater commitment to the community.
3. The Scientific Method. This enables one to ask questions about the universe and the nature of human beings, and to obtain answers that work well in practice.
4. Developed Broadly Based Public Finance. The idea that government can mobilize the wealth of a whole people.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Audiobook

8 pages, Audible Audio

Published September 23, 2008

About the author

Geoffrey Alan Hosking is a historian of Russia and the Soviet Union and formerly Leverhulme Research Professor of Russian History at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) at University College, London.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Geoffrey Hosking presents a colorful and fulsome description of the development of Europe from Antiquity to the Renaissance. In addition to the themes outlined which are "The Nation State", "Citizenship", "The Scientific Method" and the "Development of Broadly Based Finance", he outlines how Jews in the Ancient World, Ancient Greece, Greek Science, Philosophy and Culture, Christianity, and Feudalism all played a part in evolving European Culture. He describes the growth of the Roman State, the bid of power from the Church, the beginnings of the Modern State, and the development of Trade, Finance, indeed the Nature of Money. Professor Geoffrey's style is low key and folksy and pulls the listener into an engrossing story of the European Civilization in its early stages.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting overview, but doesn't tie the concepts in to a concrete whole very well.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, well researched and well presented. Lots of info in here.