Classical Archaeology and Ancient History BA

The Classical Archaeology and Ancient History program is structured around an integrated approach that utilizes Oxford’s world-leading expertise in both fields. The program profile invites students to explore everything from monumental Greek temples and Roman amphitheatres to wall paintings and the residues of everyday life. While primarily a historical and non-linguistic degree, the curriculum offers the flexibility to learn and use ancient languages as part of the academic journey.

A core pillar of the curriculum is the interdisciplinary methodology delivered through tutorials, lectures, and unique joint classes. In every year of the course, students participate in sessions led simultaneously by an archaeologist and a historian, ensuring a balanced perspective on ancient Mediterranean cultures. This dual lens allows students to gain the competency to interpret archaeological data alongside historical texts, creating a more vivid and accurate picture of antiquity.

Throughout the program, students benefit from exceptional resources, including the Bodleian Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library and the Ashmolean Museum’s extensive collections of classical art and artifacts. Graduates emerge as versatile researchers with a deep understanding of the political, social, and cultural forces that shaped the ancient world. By mastering the intersection of material culture and historical record, they become experts in preserving and interpreting the shared heritage of human civilization.