OSH A82 - Myths & Legends of the Mediterranean Sea: From the Bronze Age to Modern Times, Part 2
Course Description
Myths & Legends of the Mediterranean Sea: From the Bronze Age to Modern Times, Pt. 2
Course Description: The Mediterranean basin has long been a crossroads of civilizations, where the myths and legends of diverse peoples have flourished, evolved, and intertwined over millennia. From the heroic epics of the ancient Greeks to the creation stories of the Egyptians, the maritime sagas of the Phoenicians, and the religious traditions that arose from the lands of the Bible, this region’s mythology is as rich and complex as its history. The myths and legends of the Mediterranean reflect the values, fears, and aspirations of its inhabitants, shaping cultural identities and informing social and political narratives across time.
This course embarks on a journey through the legends of the Mediterranean, spanning from the Bronze Age to modern times. Students will explore the fascinating tales of gods, heroes, and monsters, as well as the historical contexts that gave rise to them. Through these stories, we uncover how early civilizations grappled with fundamental questions of existence, morality, and power, and how their myths served not only as entertainment but as tools for explaining the natural world, legitimizing authority, and fostering communal identity.
By tracing these myths from their origins in antiquity through to their modern retellings, the course offers a panoramic view of the cultural continuity and exchange that defined the Mediterranean region. Students will engage with the classical myths of Greece and Rome, the lesser-known but equally significant stories of the Berbers, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians, and the Abrahamic religious narratives that continue to resonate today. As we move forward in time, we will also examine how modern nationalism, colonialism, and religious movements have revived or reinterpreted these ancient legends to serve contemporary agendas.
Ultimately, this course aims to deepen students' understanding of the Mediterranean as a cultural melting pot, where myth has always played a central role in shaping human experience. Through close readings of mythological texts, art, and historical records, students will develop a critical appreciation for how myths both reflect and influence the changing realities of the Mediterranean world.
Week 1: Roman Mythology
- The foundation myths of Rome: Romulus and Remus.
- The Aeneid: The connection between Roman and Greek mythology through the story of Aeneas.
- Roman adaptations of Greek gods: Jupiter (Zeus), Juno (Hera), and more.
Week 2: Jewish and Christian Legends
- Biblical figures as part of Mediterranean lore: Moses, David, and Jesus.
- Key myths and miracles in Christianity: The Exodus, Resurrection of Christ.
- The spread of monotheistic faiths across the Mediterranean and their mythical elements.
Week 3: Berber and Carthaginian Myths
- Dido and Aeneas: The tragic romance and its impact on Roman-Carthaginian relations.
- Berber myths: Tanit and Gurzil, gods of fertility and war.
- Carthaginian rituals and the blending of Berber and Phoenician traditions.
Week 4: Islamic Myths and Legends
- Prophet Muhammad and the rise of Islam: Myths surrounding his life and legacy.
- The story of the Night Journey: Muhammad’s ascension to heaven.
- Jinn in Islamic culture: Myths of spirits and their influence on human destiny.
Week 5: Medieval and Renaissance Legends
- The role of myth in the Crusades and Christian-Muslim interactions.
- The Song of Roland and the idea of Christian chivalry in the Mediterranean.
- Piracy and Legends of the Barbary Corsairs: Fact and fiction of Mediterranean pirates.
Week 6: Modern Myths and Legends
- Greek War of Independence: Heroes and myths surrounding the resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
- Garibaldi and Italian unification: Modern myths of Mediterranean nationalism.
- The evolution of Mediterranean myths in modern literature, art, and culture.
Instructor: Dr. Daniel Rivera