Ancient History

Ancient History explores the societies and cultures of Greeks and Romans, tracing how they developed during a period of well over a thousand years. Societies and events of the Graeco-Roman world may appear distant but remain influential, even today, and have complex legacies.

This degree will introduce you to the theories and methodologies that will help you grasp the variety of lived experiences that resulted from the ancient world. You’ll be supported as you develop new skills step-by-step, building on practice in class and constructive feedback, to be able to investigate, analyse and present ancient evidence effectively.

We’ll introduce you to different historical approaches; thinking about ancient lives and livelihoods, ways in which people shaped their environment, and how they developed ideas to explain the world around them.

You can also learn about ancient societies’ interactions with their neighbours around the Mediterranean and nations further afield, from Britain to Persia and India. As we also offer Egyptology, you’ll have a unique chance to learn more about ancient Egypt and Sudan.

You’ll have opportunities to deal with archaeological sources such as ancient art, material remains and landscapes, and we’ll work together to interpret ancient texts, from literary works to inscriptions or graffiti. You can also choose to study Latin or ancient Greek to appreciate these sources as they were originally written.

There are many different ways to study the ancient world, enabling you to play to your strengths and follow your specific interests. The programme is designed to foster rigorous thinking, the ability to analyse complex material, and to communicate your ideas to different audiences; skills that will open exciting career opportunities in a wide range of professions.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Pompeii and beyond, Why the ancient world matters today, History of the Mediterranean World (c.1000 BCE – c. 500 CE).

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: The Heirs of Rome: The Making of Christendom, Byzantium, and Islam in the Early Middle Ages, 400-800, Gender in the Roman World.

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Extended Research Project in Classics, Ancient History and Egyptology, The Greek Romance: Sea, Sun and Sex.

Your degree programme will be delivered through lectures, seminars and research supervision; we offer numerous creative and engaging modes of tailored assessment, including blog posts, presentations, and website design, alongside exams, essays, and the third-year dissertation.