Ancient History

Course summary

Ancient History is considered a highly academic subject. Through inquiry into the past, pupils become more aware of how modern thinking, practices and problems have roots in the past, and the different approaches and successes that societies have had towards common human problems. The limited number of sources, along with their ‘foreignness’ in terms of time and attitude, create unique challenges and insights. It is also a course with a great narrative: we continue to be fascinated by stories like the Three Hundred, and Spartacus. The material will raise many questions relevant to our world today: the rise and fall of empires and those in power; the use and abuse of power; political scheming and dishonesty; rival forms of government including democracy and tyranny; the purpose and means of education; the treatment of others in the world; the idea of a national culture and identity. It leads most naturally into degrees in History (Ancient and Modern), Classics, and Archaeology, but is a useful preparation for almost any non-science subject.