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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

11–12Ancient History 11–12 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2027
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Year 12

Historical personalities

Students develop an understanding of ONE ancient personality, through the investigation of a range of archaeological and written sources and relevant historiographical issues.

The historical concepts and skills content is to be integrated as appropriate.

Students study key features of ONE of the following personalities:

  • Egypt – Hatshepsut
  • Egypt – Akhenaten
  • The Near East – Xerxes
  • China – Qin Shi Huangdi
  • Greece – Pericles
  • Greece – Alexander the Great
  • Rome – Julius Caesar
  • Rome – Agrippina the Younger.
Rome – Agrippina the Younger
Context
  • The geography of Rome and the provinces

  • The role of imperial women in Roman society

Background
  • Family background and status

  • Early life, influences and ambitions

  • Marriages

Key features and developments
  • Role during the reign of Gaius

  • The basis of her power and influence, including public image and patronage

  • Role during the reign of Claudius

  • Role and changing relationship with Nero during his reign

  • Relationships with other members of the imperial court

  • The motives for her assassination

  • The manner and impact of Agrippina’s death

Evaluation
  • Impact and influence

  • Ancient and modern images and interpretations of Agrippina the Younger

  • Problems of evidence, including the value and limitations of ONE ancient source or type of source, in the context of other available sources

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