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11–12Ancient History 11–12 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2027
Expand for detailed implementation advice
OverviewRationaleAimOutcomesContentAssessmentGlossaryTeaching and learning support

Content

Year 11

Features of ancient societies

Students study TWO ancient societies through an investigation of:

  • a different key feature for each society, OR
  • one key feature across the societies selected.

An appropriate historical period should be identified. The key feature(s) should be appropriate for the ancient society or societies selected.

The ancient societies and key features are to be drawn from the following:

Ancient societies

  • Egypt
  • Phoenicia
  • Assyria
  • Persia
  • Israel
  • Mycenae
  • Greece
  • Etruria
  • Carthage
  • Rome
  • Celtic Europe
  • India
  • China

Key features

  • Women
  • Slavery
  • Art and architecture
  • Weapons and warfare
  • Death and funerary customs
  • Power and image
  • Trade and cultural contact

The options chosen must not overlap with or duplicate significantly any option to be attempted for the Year 12 Ancient History or History Extension courses.

Women

  • The nature, range and limitations of sources about women

  • Attitudes towards women as revealed through the sources

  • Depictions of gender – masculinity and femininity in the historical record and how they compare

  • The role of women in the family and in the economy

  • The reasons for the status and role of women in religious and political life

  • The role and significance of at least ONE influential woman

Slavery

  • The nature, range and limitations of sources about slavery and enslaved people

  • Evidence of the origins and extent of slavery

  • Composition of enslaved people – men, women and children, and their occupations

  • Attitudes to slavery, the status of enslaved people and their relationship with their masters

  • The treatment of enslaved people and their importance to the economy

  • Significant events, including at least ONE example of resistance and revolts

Art and architecture

  • The nature, range and limitations of sources about art and architecture

  • The main features, materials, purpose and function of various forms of architecture

  • Themes and styles of art

  • Representation and use of art and architecture by various groups, including non-elites

  • The role and significance of at least ONE example of art and architecture

  • Evidence of the spread of particular forms of art and architecture in the ancient world

Weapons and warfare

  • The nature, range and limitations of sources about weapons and warfare

  • The structure and role of armies and/or navies and changes in forms of weapons and military tactics

  • The experiences of soldiers, including training and conditions of service

  • The significance of the military in society

  • The significance of the strategy and tactics of at least ONE key military encounter

  • The impact of warfare and conquest on the conquerors and conquered

Death and funerary customs

  • The nature, range and limitations of sources about beliefs, rituals and funerary practices

  • The key beliefs and rituals for a range of groups in the society

  • The influence and significance of beliefs and rituals

  • Attitudes to and beliefs about death, including the concept of an afterlife

  • Funerary practices, such as forms of burial, burial sites and ceremonies

  • A study of at least ONE significant site and source relating to death and funerary practices

Power and image

  • The nature, range and limitations of sources about authority figures and their image

  • The range of key authority figures in the society

  • The images of authority figures as revealed through a range of sources

  • The roles and influence of authority figures

  • The ruling elite, the nature of their position in society and the importance of the military in political life

  • The reputation, activities and significance of at least ONE key authority figure

Trade and cultural contact

  • The nature, range and limitations of sources about trade and cultural contact between ancient societies

  • The motivations for trade, the evidence for trade routes and the types of goods that were traded

  • The impact of trade on society

  • Awareness of and attitudes towards other cultures

  • The nature and impact of cultural contact between ancient societies

  • A study of at least ONE significant site relating to trade, such as a shipwreck or port

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