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Ancient History undergraduate modules

Sub-Honours (20 credits each)

First level modules

No previous study of Ancient History or of classical languages is assumed, and any student is eligible to join. In addition to outline histories of the Greek and Roman worlds, the modules introduce archaeological, anthropological, and art historical aspects of these civilizations which contributed much to later European history and culture. Each module contains a special period (Alexander the Great and the Emperor Augustus), which involves the use of ancient sources in translation. These modules are complementary, but may also be studied independently.

They are normally taught in 3 one-hour lectures per week, together with tutorial meetings in small groups in which topics are discussed relating to work prepared or submitted. Students are expected to submit 2 essays and to sit a 2 hour examination for each module.

Semester 1 AN1001 Greek History to Alexander the Great

A survey of Greek history from c. 560BC to the death of Alexander the Great. Topics include the political development of Athens and Sparta, the impact of the Athenian Empire and the rise of Macedonia under Philip and Alexander. Wider issues touched on include the development of the Greek *polis* as institution, democracy and imperialism, and the nature of historical evidence for the classical past.

Semester 2 AN1002 Roman History from Foundation to Empire

A survey of Roman history, covering her rise from obscure Italian town to superpower status. This course will consider the social factors that allowed Rome to sustain her military burden, and the causes and consequences of imperialism in the economic, cultural, and political spheres. The course culminates in a special study of the first Emperor, Augustus.

Second level modules

These more advanced modules are open to students who have studied History modules in their first year. Each module normally comprises 2 lectures and one discussion group (6 to 8 students) per week. For each module students typically produce 1 essay and 3 gobbet answers, and sit a 2 hour examination.

Semester 1 AN2002 The Roman Empire

The Roman empire, at its height in the first and second centuries AD extended from Hadrian's Wall to beyond the Euphrates. It is studied with particular reference to social, religious and economic changes as well as to its political and military history and concludes with a brief look at the 'crisis' of the third century. Close

Semester 2  AN2003 Mediterranean Communities

Over the period of classical antiquity the Mediterranean was transformed from a world of tiny peasant and tribal communities into a world of cities. Complex societies and states were followed by regional hegemonies, empires and finally a single world empire. The rise and fall of classical civilization emerges more clearly through material culture than any other evidence.

Honours modules

See  Honours booklet (PDF, 743 KB) for more details.

Teaching at this level is also shared between lectures and discussion groups; a wide range of modules is offered, modified or supplemented from time to time.

  • Students taking Honours in Ancient History take seven modules from a wide selection and in their final year write a dissertation.
  • Those studying Ancient History and Archaeology take a core module in archaeological method, six modules from a slightly different selection and also write a final year dissertation.
  • Those taking joint Honours with Ancient History offer a variant on this scheme.

Among the many modules on offer, some are period based, for example Archaic Greece or the Late Republic, and others are thematic, for example the Roman Army, Roman Women and Persia and the Greeks. A special strength of the Ancient History programme is that courses on late antiquity are of interest to mediaevalists and theologians, as well as ancient historians.

Classical Studies modules on specific historians, on ancient religion and similar themes are also available.  These modules are mostly available to students in Honours History or Classics and to those taking Classical Studies.

Modules that may run in any year
subject to staff commitments and sufficient student interest

Ancient History

What the students say

'This fascinating span of history ...'

'A good and enjoyable course'
(First Year Student)

'A small fun department'

'The course (Second level) combines detail with speed so that one doesn't stagnate on any particular topic.'
(Second Year Student).

Undergraduate enquiries

All admissions queries should be sent to the University admissions department; they will forward relevant questions to our admissions officer.