Ancient History and Greek

Ancient history and Greek together form one of the most intellectually rewarding combinations available in the humanities. Ancient history investigates the civilisations of Greece and Rome, and the broader ancient Mediterranean world, through the analysis of written sources, archaeological evidence and material culture, asking how these societies were organised, how they thought about politics, law, religion and ethics, and what they have bequeathed to the modern world. Ancient Greek is the language in which the foundational texts of Western philosophy, literature, science and historiography were written, and reading them in the original is an experience that no translation can fully replicate.

At the University of Edinburgh this four-year programme allows you to develop your Greek alongside serious engagement with the history of the ancient world. You will progress in Greek from whatever starting point you bring, developing your ability to read both prose and verse in the original. The history component addresses the political, social, economic and cultural history of ancient Greece and Rome, engaging with the major ancient authors and with the methods, debates and theoretical frameworks of modern ancient history scholarship.

The programme includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study in a different European or North American academic environment and to encounter different scholarly traditions in classical studies and ancient history. Edinburgh's strong classics and ancient history department provides an excellent research context for this work.

Graduates from ancient history and Greek programmes go on to work in academia, education, museums and heritage organisations, publishing, journalism, the law, the civil service and a wide range of other careers. The combination of rigorous linguistic training and deep historical knowledge develops analytical, communicative and research skills that employers across many sectors value. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in classics, ancient history, archaeology, Byzantine studies or related fields.

The degree is a thorough and demanding intellectual training that rewards both precision and imagination.