What is Ancient History?
The subject is primarily concerned with the social and political organisation of societies located in ‘the ancient world', namely those of the Romans and Greeks from 650BC - 50AD. It is a discipline that develops an understanding of cause and effect and students are able to draw on present-day occurrences to make analogies with events from the distant past. For example in studying the rise of democracy, students are able to speak from their own experience and knowledge of different contemporary political systems in operation, and similarly in learning about empire building, relevant parallels may be found in the construction of the British Empire.
It is above all a subject which will generate a curiosity and respect for the sophistication of the ancients, whose civilisations were in no way inferior to those of today. Students will be exposed to original sources of information and it is hoped they will reach an understanding of the relationship between economics, politics and cultural development. Contemporary authors cast light on how events were perceived at the time they occurred and remind us that history is about human behaviour and its consequences.
Very few of the students taking this ‘A' level course have ever studied the subject before and this lack of background knowledge has not proved to be a handicap; similarly, knowledge of classical languages is not required to achieve success. Past students have found that relative to many other ‘A' level subjects, the level of work required to secure a respectable grade is lighter and the incidence of high grades is greater.
What other subjects go well with Ancient History?
Ancient History combines well with a range of other subjects including: History, Politics, Economics, History of Art, English and Sociology as well as both classical and modern languages.
What will I gain from studying the subject?
The subject can so inspire students as to lead to a degree course (e.g. Classical Studies, Archaeology, History of Art, Philosophy). It certainly makes a person more ‘cultured' insofar as (s)he becomes familiar with the chief movements and figures of the ancient world (vide Herodotus in ‘The English Patient'!) and develops good analytical skills and an ability to present sound argument through essays.
Do I have an aptitude for the subject?
You should have an interest in the past and a willingness to consider carefully a number of possible interpretations of events. History suits those with an enquiring mind who want to test the evidence on any given question before accepting a particular explanation. You should be prepared to undertake independent reading and research, under the guidance of your tutor.