Welcome to A Level Ancient History. In this A Level you will learn about the history of the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds, drawing on translations of original sources. You will develop your critical reading skills to help you decide which versions of the past we should believe.
In Ancient History we study the history of the Greeks approximately 2,500 years ago and the Romans around 2,0000 years ago. These are exciting periods of the past with some very memorable people and events to talk about.
We learn about the Greeks and Romans by reading ancient sources (translated into English) and one of our key skills is working out how far we can trust that what we are reading is accurate.
You will begin by learning about relationships in the Greek world from 492-404 BC, including the invasion of Greece by the Persian Empire and the later tensions between Athens and Sparta which led to the Peloponnesian War.
Then you will study the breakdown of the Roman Republic from 88-31 BC, exploring why the 400 year old democratic Republic collapsed and was taken over by autocratic emperors, beginning with Augustus. How important was Pompey the Great or Julius Caesar? What about the relationship between Antony and Cleopatra?
In year 2, we study the Julio-Claudian emperors, beginning with the reign of Augustus. We explore how society, politics and life in Rome changed as well as the characters of the emperors. Key debates include: Was Tiberius really a tyrant? Were Caligula and Nero really mad? Was life actually better for ordinary people under the emperors?
We finish with an in-depth study of the society of the Spartans. What happens to a society when its aim is to produce the best soldiers in the world? How much can we learn about the Spartans, who were very secretive and did not leave much in the way of written accounts of themselves. Fortunately the Athenians had a lot to say about their odd neighbours, but how far can we trust what they wrote?
Specification for OCR Ancient History:
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/313570-specification-accredited-a-level-ancient-history-h407.pdf
The Battle of Thermopylae
In 480 BC, King Leonidas and 300 Spartans famously led the defence of the Hot Walls at Thermopylae against overwhelming odds. They were vastly outnumbered by the Persians and held the narrow pass until they were all slaughtered, allowing the other Greek forces time to retreat and regroup (you may have seen a version of this battle in the film 300, which contains both direct quotes from the sources and huge inaccuracies!)
What can you find out about this battle?
You may find this article helpful.
Extension: Read about the battle in Herodotus, our original source.
Meet the Romans
Rome was, according to mythology, established by Romulus and Remus in the 8th Century BC, and was ruled by kings up until the late 6th Century. From this point, it was a Republic, based on democratic voting by all citizens of the city (although the aristocrats dominated politics, as you will see). By the end of the 1st Century BC, the Republic was in its dying days – wealthy individuals were subverting power and populist leaders were using rhetoric to sway the people to support them. There were periods of civil war and great violence in Rome itself. From this chaos rose Julius Caesar, who installed himself as ‘Dictator for Life’ and was promptly murdered by a group of Senators (Rome’s politicians). His adopted son, Octavian, then cut a bloody swathe to power becoming the first Emperor, Augustus, and ending the democratic Republic. The Julio-Claudian dynasty was born.
How did the Romans see themselves?
Mary Beard’s series Ultimate Rome: Empire without end gives a good insight into how Romans thought. The first episode discusses the stories Romans told about their city and themselves, and what this tells us about their culture. You can watch this on BBC iPlayer or find it on YouTube.
What does Beard suggest about how the mythology of Rome reflects its character as a civilisation?
If you would like to challenge yourself, read about the history of the Republic.
Read the World History Encyclopaedia on the Republic and consider:
