Ancient History A Level

Are you fascinated by the ancient world? Do you want to understand how our modern civilisation is founded on the politics, philosophy, culture, and conflicts of Greek and Roman societies? If your answers are yes, then you should take this course.

Year 1:

• You will examine the development of the Greek city states, with particular reference to Athens and Sparta, and the struggle with Persia that ended in the rise of the Athenian Empire, as well as the rivalry with Sparta that in turn, produced the epic struggle between the two Greek city states known as the Peloponnesian War.
• The Julio-Claudian Emperors focuses on the transformation of the Roman Republic into a dynastic monarchy. This includes study of the careers of Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius, Claudius, and Nero and the nature of their rule, and the role of Senate and the Army in the making and unmaking of an Emperor.

Year 2:

• The Rise of Macedonia looks at the swift emergence of Macedonia as a hegemonic power in Greece under the remarkable figure of Philip, whose claim to be the greatest figure in the ancient world, was eclipsed by the life, aims and achievements of his son, Alexander the Great.
• Ruling Roman Britain AD 43 to c. 128 AD examines the reasons for the Claudian invasion of 43 AD and the explanation for the subsequent success of the Roman army. Students will explore the creation of the province of Britannia, and the ultimate failure to complete the conquest of the island with the consequent establishment of a northern frontier with Hadrian’s Wall.

Two exams at the end of the second year.

At least five GCSEs graded 9-5, including English and a grade 5 in GCSE History or related subject preferred.