Ancient History and Archaeology (BA)

The BA Ancient History and Archaeology allows students to combine and pursue their interests in the history and archaeology of the ancient world. Students will study the Greek and Roman past through both textual and archaeological evidence, from Greek pottery to Roman inscriptions, ancient cities to classical authors. Students will acquire critical and analytical skills, utilising the full range of evidence that survives from the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. This programme covers a broad chronological and geographical sweep, with topics including the rise of the Greek city-states, Classical Athens, the foundations of the Roman Empire, the transformation of the Roman Empire in Late Antiquity, and the Byzantine Empire from the foundation of Constantinople to the medieval period. The study of archaeology develops the ability to understand how people lived, acted and thought in the past. Students will learn the essential analytical techniques of archaeology to develop their understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in the interpretation of material remains. Practical archaeological experience is a key element of this degree. This course is ideal for students who are interested in understanding the ancient past through people’s relationships with words, texts, objects, buildings and places. Students will have access to a wide range of textual, graphical and material evidence and develop their ability to interpret and process that data.