Ancient History
What is Ancient History about?
Ancient History is based on the study of Greek and Roman history – political, military, social and cultural. It involves the study of original sources (in translation!) and the reading of modern historians and commentators. It is very similar to Modern History but working on material that was written many hundreds of years ago. The subject involves the evaluation of source material as well as knowledge of its content.
To what extent did emperors in this period use building projects at Rome to enhance their personal reputations rather than that of Rome?
How useful are the sources in helping us to understand how effectively the Senate dealt with challenges to its authority in the late Republic?
What do the fifth century plays tell us about the concerns of Athenian citizens in this period?
These are just a few of the questions that you will consider if you decide to study Ancient History. You will study both the Greeks and the Romans, looking at different aspects of their world through the eyes of the people at the time, through written sources and archaeological evidence. You are expected to refer to these sources when answering the questions set. As a historian you will need to weigh up the evidence and give a reasoned response to the questions. You will develop your skills of analysis, evaluation and interpretation while developing your ability to put together an essay that combines all these skills with your factual knowledge.
What does the course consist of?
Ancient History will suit you as an AS or A2 subject if you have an enquiring mind and an interest in the people of ancient Greece and Rome. Topics include the development of Athenian Democracy in the 5th century BC; Britain in the Roman Empire; Athenian culture and society in the 5th century BC; the invention of Imperial Rome 31 BC to AD 96.
In the first part of the course we will examine the origins of democratic styles of government with the Athenians' version of 'radical' democracy – which was as hands-on as democracy could be. How did it work and what problems did the Athenians have with this style of government? To what extent does it serve as a model for modern democracies? Then we will move on to Britain but under the government of the Romans in the late 1st century BC until the Romans left in AD 410. What did the Romans find when they first came? What changes did they make? How lasting were these changes? You will be able to answer all these questions and more after studying this topic.
The culture of Athens topic will introduce you to the Parthenon and its sculptures, the Athenian theatre with the comedies of Aristophanes with names such as Wasps and Clouds and, on the more serious side, the tragedies of Antigone and Medea. Maybe you saw the series Rome or I, Claudius? What actually did happen in Imperial times? Read the original story for yourself in Tacitus and Suetonius. Then you can judge for yourself.
Whom does the subject suit?
You need no previous knowledge to study AS or A Level Ancient History; it is possible to study this subject entirely from scratch. An enquiring mind and a liking for reading are important. An ability to discuss and develop a line of argument will be essential.
Ancient History is a very rewarding subject which will open up the world of the ancient Greeks and Romans who have had such an impact on the development of European history and culture. You will have your horizons broadened as well as acquire new skills and knowledge.
How is Ancient History taught at d'Overbroeck's?
The classes are small and less formal than you may be used to. This allows you a chance to ask questions and to have your say. Teaching is through a mixture of teacher presentation, your input and organised discussion. Being able to defend a point of view is an important skill whether it is in the classroom or in the world outside. You will have a chance to pursue your own interests if there is some aspect that particularly interests you.
What books can I read to get a sense of the subject?
There are many to choose from. You could try:
R Osborne, ed., Classical Greece, 500-323 BC, Oxford 2000.
Good Introduction with chapters written by a number of scholars.
S Hornblower, The Greek World, 479-323 BC, 3rd ed., London 2002.
Well written and balanced.
HH Scullard, From the Gracchi to Nero, 3rd edn, 1970.
This book provides a good overview of what happened between about 140 BC and AD 70, and the notes in the 3rd edition do an excellent job of indicating the sources for each period and question
What websites are there to look at?
Athenian Democracy
The Invention of Imperial Rome
Roman Britain
Who will teach me?
An Oxford graduate, Jane Nimmo-Smith is equally at home in any of the classical subjects and as well as teaching has, in recent years, contributed to the writing of three children's reference books. For the last six summer examination sessions, she has acted as an assistant examiner for Ancient History.
What might the subject lead onto?
Ancient History is a subject that offers a wide range of material for the student to find an interest in. It makes a very suitable subject for those applying for science and non-science university courses since it help develop your writing skills. University modular courses allow a combination of subjects, bringing in areas of specialisation from more than one subject. As a university subject, Ancient History could therefore be combined with English or modern languages, studied on its own or as a part of a Classics degree. A recent student went on to read English at Oxford University.