St Bede’s College

The Greeks and the Romans still have the power to excite enormous interest, even in our era of high technology and scientific advances. The Greeks had a thirst for innovation and science no less strong than our own, and they made enormous leaps forward in their understanding of the world around them; they combined this with a love of the artistic, and they invented drama, comedy, politics, and the science of History itself. The Romans conquered them, but were captivated by their culture, and they took it to every part of their Empire. The Classical era is no less important to our understanding of ourselves than the history of more modern times, and is a fascinating study for Sixth Formers.

What does the course involve?

The AS and A2 courses consist of two modules each and combine a study of Greek and Roman history in both of the two years of the course:

AS:
Athenian Democracy in the 5th. Century
Cicero and political life in Late Republican Rome

A2
Conflict of Greece and Persia 499-449BC
Fall of the Roman Republic 81-33BC

National demand for this subject has increased by some 50% over the last three years!!
No knowledge of either Greek or Latin is required and there is no coursework!

What do we learn about the Greeks?

The period of Greek history to be studied mostly falls within the fifth century BC and concerns the rise of Athenian power in the fifth century BC, the period of War, and the invention of democracy. The combined forces of the Greeks had beaten off the massive invasion by the Persians, but once the Persians were safely out of the way the Greeks fell back into their old ways of fighting among themselves. Out of the struggles rose the Athenian Empire under the guidance of the charismatic leader and general Pericles. The rise of this Empire led to great tensions with the other superpower of Greece, Sparta, and eventually a war broke out - the Peloponnesian War, which lasted for nearly thirty years and eventually brought the Athenian Empire to its knees.

And the Romans?

We cover the period from 81-31BC, when the Roman Republic went through its death-throes. We examine this collapse from many angles - political, economic, military and social. The careers of Pompey and Caesar are of particular importance. Again there is much controversy about how to interpret contemporary accounts. The important thing is to be able to justify opinions with evidence. Her relations with her ‘empire’ in the period 133-30BC provide a great opportunity to explore the difference between appearance and reality, ‘spin’ and truth, theory and practice. “I suspect that the study of this period is good practice for entering the bear-pit of corporate life!” (P.B. Maree)

What subjects can I take with Ancient History?

Ancient History can be taken with any other AS and A2 subjects. It may be combined with A level history if desired, but many Ancient Historians come from a different range of subject areas. It has become increasingly popular to study the subject to degree level, where it can be broadened to include the other great ancient civilizations such as the Egyptian.

What qualifications do we need to begin this course?

There is no GCSE in this subject, and so anyone who is eligible for the Sixth Form can take Ancient History AS and A2.

Exams?

There are two written papers at the end of the AS course and the same at the end of A2.

For more information, please see Mr Matthew Bartlett, Deputy Head who teaches much of the course.