Alexander the Great

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Course code: S3RS

An overview of Alexander the Great's extraordinary life.

when: From 23 Sep 2026 to 02 Dec 2026
Wednesday 10:00-12:00 10 weeks
Tutor: Richard Stride

where

location to be advised

fees

full fee for this course £168.00, concession fee £102.00

who

Bristol Adult Learning

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

0117 903 8844

Description

Who was Alexander? Why was he so ‘Great’? Come and discover the extraordinary life of this young man who was one of the few individuals who can be said to have truly ‘changed history’.

What can students expect?

This course is specifically aimed at students who have heard of Alexander but know very little about him. In this course we will look at his character, his achievements, and his background. This will be underpinned by an introduction to the main sources for his life and how they leave frustrating gaps which will allow us to discuss our own theories about key aspects of his character. We will focus on his upbringing by his fiery father and manipulative mother, his creation of a vast empire that spanned from Greece to India, his troubled personal life and his relationships with his friends and family as well as his campaigns and conquests.

No prior knowledge of the ancient world is required, and don’t worry there won’t be any ancient Greek language either.

Late starters allowed?

Yes

Previous experience required?

No

What is the progression route?

This course is the first in a set of three: ‘Alexander’, ‘The Successors’ and ‘The Ptolemies’. Each is a stand-alone course but they follow on from one another to cover Greek and Mediterranean history from 356 BC to 30 BC. I also run other courses on the ancient world, including Homer’s Iliad (Alexander’s favourite book), Homer’s Odyssey, and the Persian Wars [which is the perfect ‘prequel’ to my three-part history].

Are there any extra costs?

No

Work set between sessions?

No

Teaching method/style?

I describe my style as ‘informal lecture’. I aim to use pictures wherever possible, and I welcome interruptions, questions and digressions.

Course Cancellations and Refunds

If we cancel your course

<ul>
<li>You will receive a full refund of course fees.</li>
<li>We are not responsible for any additional costs, such as materials already purchased.</li>
</ul>

If you cancel

<ul>
<li>7 days or more before the start date: refund minus a 20% administration fee.</li>
<li>Less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: no refund provided.</li>
<li>Enrolments are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, you will not be able to send another person in your place.</li>
</ul>

Refund processing

<ul>
<li>Refunds for online or telephone enrolments will be made via the original payment method within 14 days of approval. </li>
<li>If you enrolled in the office, you will need to come in with your payment card to arrange a refund.</li>
</ul>

Transfers

<ul>
<li>7 days or more before the start date: transfer minus a 10% transfer fee.</li>
<li>Less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: no transfer provided.</li>
<li>All transfers are subject to availability.</li>
<li>Transfers between Language levels may be possible with less than 7 days notice, subject to availability.</li>
<li>Enrolments are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, you will not be able to send another person in your place.</li>
<li>If we cancel your course, and you wish to transfer to another course this will be free of charge.</li>
</ul>

Illness and non-attendance

<ul>
<li>We recognise that illness and unforeseen circumstances may arise. However, please note that we are unable to offer refunds, credits, or transfers for missed sessions due to ill health or non-attendance.</li>
</ul>