Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations

Course description

This joint degree combines the study of archaeology and classics.

By bringing together the study of ancient historical sources with the theory and practice of archaeology, you will explore the ancient civilisations of Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East.

The ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean began with the development of farming and the growth of complex societies in western Asia. This culminated with the rise of Christianity and Islam.

The influence of these civilisations extended over a huge area from the northern coasts of Britain in Northwest Europe to the boundaries of Iran in the Near East and beyond.

**Insights into cultures**

The rich body of literary and documentary texts that survive from this period provide fascinating insights into the culture and society of these ancient civilisations.

Analysis of these compelling documentary sources forms a key component of this programme. However, historical accounts are often fragmentary, and are sometimes biased towards major events or prominent individuals.

Archaeology is the study of the material remains of past peoples. It offers an extra source of evidence for reconstructing and understanding the day-to-day lives of the ancient Mediterranean people.

**Study and practical skills**

You will develop skills in the critical study of historical texts and the material remains of ancient civilisations. You can choose to study the ancient languages, Greek and Latin, or modern languages.

We emphasise the importance of training in practical archaeological skills. You will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of artefact identification and analysis in practical sessions using artefacts from our own Vere Gordon Childe collection.

**Fieldwork**

You will complete 3 weeks of archaeological fieldwork at the end of Year 1. In later years of study you will also have the option to do:

* further fieldwork

* projects in heritage management and public engagement

* lab-based analysis of archaeological remains

Subjects

• Mediterranean studies
• Ancient history