This course gives a concise outline of the history of Egypt, the Nile Valley, Mesopotamia, Anatolian Hittites, Jews, Persians, Greeks and Romans. In addition, it covers the march of civilisation in India, China, South East Asia, the Americas and the Pacific - a must for lovers of history and prospective travellers to these popular destinations.
History I – The Ancient World
Course Description
This course offers a fascinating journey through the history of ancient civilisations, tracing the development of human societies from the earliest recorded times to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 479 CE.
Designed for beginners, no prior knowledge is required – just curiosity and a desire to understand how the ancient world shaped the foundations of the modern one.
Along the way, you’ll encounter the rich histories of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and other key civilisations, exploring how they lived, governed, believed, and built the foundations of the world we know today.
Studying ancient history isn't just about dates and empires – it's about understanding the roots of who we are. The major world religions, many cultural traditions, and modern systems of politics, law, and philosophy all have their origins in the ancient past.
Through this course, you'll gain tools to better interpret literature, film, art, and historical sites with deeper appreciation and context. Whether you’re interested in improving your cultural literacy, enhancing your travel experiences, or sparking rich conversations with like-minded peers, this course offers an engaging and intellectually rewarding starting point.
Course notes will be provided, including a list of recommended books to read and films to watch.
Course Structure
This is a lecture-style course with plenty of opportunity for interactive discussion and debate.
Lesson 1: The Ancient World – Cradles of Civilisation
An introduction to the earliest human societies, focusing on the transition from nomadic life to agrarian settlements. Explore the historical development of two of the earliest and most influential civilisations: Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Lesson 2: East Meets West – The Hittites, Assyrians, and Biblical Connections
Examine the powerful empires of the Hittites and Assyrians and consider how archaeological and biblical sources intersect to shed light on their influence in the ancient world.
Lesson 3: Greece Part I – The Hellenes: Democracy, Migration, and War
Discover the birth of democracy and the Greek city-states, their expansion through colonisation, and their struggles against Persia during the Persian Wars. Analyse Athens’ rise to power and its cultural influence.
Lesson 4: Greece Part II – The Golden Age and the Fall of Classical Greece
Delve into the achievements of Greece’s Golden Age, followed by the internal conflicts of the Peloponnesian Wars that led to its decline.
Lesson 5: The Hellenistic World and Pre-Roman Italy
Follow the conquests of Alexander the Great and the spread of Hellenistic culture. Then shift focus to Italy before Rome, exploring the diverse peoples of the peninsula: the Italians, Etruscans, Phoenicians, and Greek colonies.
Lesson 6: The Rise of Rome – From Republic to Empire
Trace Rome’s early history, from its mythical foundations to the formation of the Republic. Study key events such as the Punic Wars, social and civil conflicts, and the rise of influential figures like Julius Caesar and Augustus.
Lesson 7: Imperial Rome – Pax Romana and the Age of Stability
Explore the height of the Roman Empire under the Pax Romana and the era of the “Good Emperors”. Learn how Rome managed its vast territories during a time of relative peace and prosperity.
Lesson 8: The Decline of the West and the Rise of the East
Investigate the crises of the third century, the reforms and recovery of the fourth century, and the establishment of Constantinople as the new Eastern capital. End with a look at the rise of Christianity and the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century, including the significance of Ravenna.
Course Learning Outcomes
After completing this course students will be able to:
- Identify major ancient civilisations and their key contributions.
- Understand how early societies developed from nomadic to settled life.
- Explain the origins of democracy, religion, and empire in the ancient world.
- Recognise how ancient history shaped modern culture, politics, and beliefs.
- Interpret historical references in art, literature, and everyday life.
- Engage in informed discussion about ancient history and its relevance today.
Students may wish to continue their learning by enrolling in the companion course ‘History II – Medieval to Modern World’.
Course Textbook
While there is no prescribed textbook for this course, for absolute beginners or those who wish to refresh their Classics knowledge the following is a recommended read:
A Classical Education by Caroline Taggart, published by O’Mara Books, London (2009,2020).
Student Testimonials
“I found this course fantastic – relevant to our current times.”
“Gene is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his topic; he brings different facets to each lecture and his history courses can be taken on more than one time.”
“A most excellent tutor, very much brings alive the events and subjects.”
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