Modules
Courses / Modules / HIST1154 Ancient Sources in Context

Ancient Sources in Context

When you'll study it
Semester 2
CATS points
15
ECTS points
7.5
Level
Level 4
Module lead
Annelies Cazemier
Academic year
2025-26

Module overview

The history of the ancient world is hugely significant for understanding subsequent periods of history and the origins of ideas and institutions of global significance. However, the nature of the ancient world continues to be highly debated due to the sources and evidence available to historians for understanding this period. This module looks at the societies and cultures of the ancient world through their written texts, visual art and material remains. What types of evidence are available to ancient historians? What makes them significant and exciting? What perspectives do they present? What is the relationship between literature or material remains and the socio- political world in which they were produced? The aim of this module is to introduce you to different types of sources in study of the ancient world, and how to approach and analyse them as historical sources. Over the course of the module, you will be introduced to literary, material and visual evidence from Herodotus (484-425 BCE) to Procopius (500-560 CE), from buildings and monuments to art, coins and inscriptions, covering Greek, Roman and Byzantine history. In this way, the module will provide you with background knowledge and analytical skills useful throughout the rest of your degree and beyond.