Since its founding by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, and for a period of over 600 years, Alexandria was the cultural capital of the world, especially during the Ptolemaic period. The Hellenistic period – specifically in Alexandria but also throughout the Mediterranean – witnessed many achievements and contributions in all fields of knowledge that have greatly added to man’s thought and the progress of civilization.
The Alexandria Center for Hellenistic Studies, was established as a joint collaboration between the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Onassis Foundation, the Vardinoyannis Foundation and the University of Alexandria. Graduates of departments of Classics or Archeology may apply for the Masters directly. Non-specialized students will take a one year qualifying Diploma, which qualifies candidates to apply for a Masters degree. The Center is open to scholars from around the world who are keen to obtain diplomas, Masters and Doctorates in Hellenistic studies in particular, from the departments of History, Literature, Art, Archeology and Architecture, and Philosophy and Science.
Since its foundation by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, and for a period of 600 years, Alexandria was the cultural capital of the ancient known world. The Hellenistic period – specifically in Alexandria but also throughout the Mediterranean – witnessed many achievements and contributions in all fields of knowledge that have greatly added to man’s thought, culture and science.
Despite its importance, however, few academic degrees are granted in the field of Hellenistic studies. Departments are generally specialized in the Classical and Roman periods, with the Hellenistic period forming part of the studies, rather than being a specialization in its own right.
The Alexandria Center for Hellenistic Studies was therefore created to fill this gap, and focuses specifically on this rich period and its immense contributions to human knowledge. Its establishment in Alexandria is therefore most appropriate. The Center will draw scholars from around the world who are keen to obtain diplomas, Masters and Doctorates in Hellenistic studies in particular, from the departments of: Art, Archeology and Architecture; Philosophy and Science; History; and Literature.
VISION
The ACHS seeks to be a center of excellence in the field of Hellenistic studies, by means of partnerships and exchange, and to provide Alexandria and the international community with scholars worthy of being the descendents of the ancient Library and Mouseion.
MISSION
The mission of the ACHS is to revive the classical collaboration between Egypt and Greece that led to Alexandria’s prominence as a leading educational establishment in the ancient world. By offering opportunities for distinguished academic research using cutting-edge technology, and the exchange of expertise and learning, the Center ensures an international academic standard and a specialized knowledge about the Hellenistic world. The values of humanism and multiculturalism that Alexander spread, symbolized by the Lighthouse of Alexandria, are upheld by the Center, both in the courses and in the cultural interaction between local and foreign students and professors. Students at the Center learn critical thinking and acquire a historical understanding of both past and present, so that they can apply the lessons of the past to the present.
The Center qualifies its graduates to develop the Egyptian and international communities by providing individuals who can speak English, ancient Greek and Latin in addition to their native tongue. It prepares graduates to be researchers and academic scholars, or to contribute to the promotion of culture in their countries. In addition, they will promote Alexandria’s heritage and contribute significantly to scholarship about Alexandria and the Hellenistic world.
