Topic 2: Art, architecture, and technology

Students explore what the material culture tells us about an ancient society and consider the development of art, architecture, and technology, and the influence of this on contemporary culture. Central to this study are the main features, materials, purposes, and functions of various forms of art, architecture, and technology; the spread of these in the ancient world through trade; the movement of peoples; conquest; and the importance and ethics of preserving ancient architecture. Studies could include considering technological achievements such as construction materials and methods related to buildings, structures, and statues, and their impact on the household and economic life, for example, metallurgy, pottery, surgical tools, transport, water supply, and sanitation. Students explore the use of technology in ancient times to access resources and control the environment, and the impact of technological innovations on social, economic, and political developments and their legacy.

Topic 3: Warfare and conquest

Students identify and explore the political, economic, and social impact of warfare, conquest, and the military. They consider one or more military encounters in the ancient world, including the composition and role of armies and navies, changes in weaponry and military tactics, the life of soldiers and their training, and the conditions of service. Studies could include examining how ancient strategies are reflected in modern military strategy and the influence of ancient warfare on contemporary popular culture.

Topic 4: Social structures, slavery, and everyday life

Students study family life, including daily life and leisure activities, such as sports and pastimes. They explore different concepts of the family, including the purposes of marriage and divorce, and the construction of gender roles. They consider the roles and relationships within the family, concepts of childhood, and childhood experiences, including education and rites of passage. Studies could include investigating various occupations and professions within ancient societies. For societies with slaves, the origins of slavery and the treatment of slaves could be studied. Students could also explore the economic and political impacts of slavery, the status of slaves, the relationships of slaves with slaveowners, and revolts and uprisings in the history of slavery.

Topic 5: Beliefs, rituals, and mythology

Students study the influence and significance of beliefs and rituals within ancient societies, such as those about death and afterlife concepts and funerary practices, including burial sites and forms of burial. They explore ceremonies and their relationship to religious beliefs and social status, and the influence of beliefs, rituals, and mythology on contemporary popular culture. Students could also examine creation, hero, and quest myths. They could, for example, explore the challenges undertaken by male characters, and contrast these with the ambiguous roles sometimes assigned to women in myths. Studies could include investigating the role of cults in religious life.

Topic 6: Creative representations

Students study one or more texts from or about an ancient culture. These may be extracts or complete texts, or representations and interpretations in contemporary texts. They may consider the purposes of the creative arts in ancient societies such as in education, entertainment, and political functions. Students explore poetry, drama, fiction, film, or media texts to enrich their understanding of the ancient world. This could include exploring how the contemporary media have appropriated historical narratives as entertainment for popular audiences. Through critical analysis and reflection, students investigate aspects of texts, such as the construction of characters, the exploration of gender and power, genre and setting, and the historical accuracy of the representation. They may consider narrative, thematic, and stylistic features.