Ancient History

Although ancient history, by definition, took place in an era that may seem distant, the happenings of the ancient world established many of our modern societal customs and values, from effective sewage systems to democracy much of it started with the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians. It’s easy to see why exploring history is essential to fully understanding the here and now. Are you thinking about signing up for a history class? Our classes are a great way to explore a range of subjects to find the ones you love, with no pressure and no exams. Our tutors are friendly and qualified, and our courses are open to anyone over 18 – no experience or prior skills required.

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The Nile River: Luxor to Aswan and Abu Simbel

In part 2 of The Nile River we continue from Luxor and sail up the Nile exploring temples dedicated to Horus at Edfu and Sobek, the crocodile god at Kom Ombo before arriving in Aswan. Aswan is a marvellous town on the Nile, and also the site of the First Cataract. He we visit a Nubian village and explore the quarry from which many obelisks were cut... [More]

The Nile River: Luxor to Aswan and Abu Simbel

10 Sep

Tue 10 Sep

6pm - 8pm 1 session, 2 hours total

Almis Simans

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Tue 10 Sep 2019	6pm - 8pm (UTC+10:00)	L3 - Room 311 - WEA Sydney

Interested in this course but can't attend? Please the waiting list.

"Losing their Marbles": The Parthenon Sculptures and other British Museum Treasures - Return or Not?

The Elgin Marbles, taken from the Temple of Athena Parthenos in Athens, are back in the news, with the Greek President in a series of recent speeches demanding that they be returned from London’s British Museum to their ‘home’ in Athens. But the British Museum has other classical treasures they also gained in the 19th century, including remains of... [More]

"Losing their Marbles": The Parthenon Sculptures and other British Museum Treasures - Return or Not?

12 Oct

Sat 12 Oct

9:30am - 1pm 1 session, 3.5 hours total

Michael Newton

Please note that this class has been moved to Saturday 12 October as advised by tutor.

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 12 Oct 2019	9:30am - 1pm (UTC+11:00)	Classroom TBA - WEA Sydney

Interested in this course but can't attend? Please the waiting list.

Split & The Palace of the Emperor Diocletian

After ruling the Roman Empire for twenty years the Emperor Diocletian retired in AD 305 to the sprawling retirement village that he had built for himself on the beautiful Dalmatian coast. Today Diocletian’s opulent palace houses not an emperor and his retinue but most of the inhabitants of the Croatian town of Split. Annually they are joined the... [More]

Split & The Palace of the Emperor Diocletian

29 Oct

Tue 29 Oct

6pm - 8pm 1 session, 2 hours total

Brian Brennan

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Tue 29 Oct 2019	6pm - 8pm (UTC+11:00)	Classroom TBA - WEA Sydney

Interested in this course but can't attend? Please the waiting list.

The Yogasūtras of Patañjali

The Yogasūtras of Patañjali written in Sanskrit, is the oldest exposition of a meditative practice from Ancient India. Unlike its modern meaning, yoga meant meditation. Behind this practice is a fascinating philosophy that involves both Hindu and Buddhist thought. The course will guide the students through the complex and cryptic nature of... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

The Panorama of Philosophy: The Greek Philosophers

Philosophy is for most of us a body of works full of difficult ideas. But intrinsically, these doctrines are schooling for thought. They rest on the belief that we are rational creatures, that reason is our defining attribute, and that this capacity helps us to understand truth and falsehood. Therefore it is possible for us to demonstrate some... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

Lost Worlds: Travels, Excavations, and War in Syria

Among the countries of the modern Middle East Syria is especially rich in the remains of the numerous civilizations that have left their mark over the millennia. For some thirty years John Tidmarsh has travelled throughout Syria (both as an individual and as a tour guide) as well as co-directing the Australian excavations at the remarkable... [More]

Lost Worlds: Travels, Excavations, and War in Syria

21 Aug

Wed 21 Aug

2pm - 4:30pm 1 session, 2.5 hours total

John Tidmarsh

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Wed 21 Aug 2019	2pm - 4:30pm (UTC+10:00)	L3 - Room 311 - WEA Sydney

Interested in this course but can't attend? Please the waiting list.