Ancient History

If you're fascinated by the ancient past, and want to develop an understanding of how diverse aspects of the Greek and Roman worlds – and their neighbours – functioned, this is the subject for you.

Ancient history is the study of the Greek and Roman worlds, a period spanning from 2000 BC to around 600 AD and covering parts of modern Africa, Asia and Europe. You will learn about these ancient cultures in their political, literary, social, cultural and religious contexts. From warfare to farming, architecture to oratory, and emperors to slavery, your studies will enhance your understanding of the ancient past, and how it influences the present.

Alongside the history, languages, literature and culture of Greece and Rome, at the University of Reading you can discover ancient Egyptian and Anatolian civilisation, work on digital reconstructions and design your own assignments and projects. 97% of our students said the course is often intellectually stimulating (National Student Survey 2024, 96.55% of responders from the Department of Classics).

Our Department of Classics is considered to be one of the world-leading centres for the study of the ancient world and its legacy. 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics).

91% of graduates from Classics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; All levels of study).