History of the Ancient World

Full-year course. In this course, students will, alongside the ancient sources, make sure “human events do not fade with time” and that “great and wonderful deeds will not go unsung” (Herodotus). 

Practically speaking, students learn about ancient cultures from the earliest written records through the removal of the last Roman “emperor” in 476 AD. Special attention is given to the interaction between humans and their environment, and to the relationship of philosophy to the development of states. The writings of ancient historians are also used to give more detail about key historical events, and show the development of history as a field of study. Highlights of the course include the fall of Ur, the conquest of Troy, the Republic of Rome, the Han Dynasty, and the fall of Rome. They will examine the choices of cities and states using Thucydides’ ancient triad of motives: fear, honor, and interest. Using Plutarch, they will also consider the smaller stories of selected figures to gain insight into their true character.

Students complete weekly comprehension quizzes or discussion questions to measure understanding of overall historical material. Little exams, where students write an essay or answer a series of short-answer questions, are given quarterly as a way for students to showcase their ability to connect the significance of historical events to one another. Longer papers and comprehensive semester exams offer students the opportunity to identify and explain patterns in ancient history that may also appear in modern historical periods.