Overview

The BA (Hons) Ancient History and Archaeology examines ancient societies through both historical evidence and the physical remains they left behind. Students explore how people lived, organised communities, developed cultures, and responded to change, combining the interpretation of historical sources with archaeological approaches to the ancient past.

What You'll Learn

• Ancient societies, cultures, politics, economies, and institutions

• Archaeological evidence and approaches to understanding past communities

• Material culture, artefacts, buildings, landscapes, and sites

• Historical sources and methods for evaluating ancient evidence

• Archaeological methods for investigating and interpreting the past

• Religion, belief, social structures, and everyday life in antiquity

• Conflict, migration, trade, and relationships between ancient societies

• Fieldwork, research, recording, and analytical approaches

• Critical debates surrounding interpretations of ancient history and archaeology

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to explain significant developments within ancient societies and place them within appropriate historical contexts. They will understand how archaeological remains and historical sources can provide complementary perspectives on the ancient past, while recognising the strengths and limitations of different forms of evidence. Students will be able to analyse artefacts, sites, texts, and other sources using suitable historical and archaeological methods. They will develop skills in conducting research, assessing competing interpretations, and constructing evidence-based arguments about ancient communities and their development. The course will also enable students to communicate findings clearly and critically evaluate how archaeological and historical evidence is used to reconstruct and interpret the ancient world.