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.
The culture of Egypt has been amazingly influential on Australia from early colonial times, through the Great War and into the 1930s and 40s. This course will look at monuments, architecture, gardens and artefacts which are hidden around Australia and reflect our admiration (indeed our obsession) for ancient Egypt. We will meet some Australians who...
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<p>The culture of Egypt has been amazingly influential on Australia from early colonial times, through the Great War and into the 1930s and 40s. This course will look at monuments, architecture,
We visit the British Museum, the New York Metropolitan, the Louvre, Berlin’s Museum Island and the Cairo Museum concentrating on objects from the ancient past. Each week, we will visit a different museum examining 10 objects from the ancient world, some of them well known, others obscure, all of them fascinating. Some of the items include the...
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<p>We visit the British Museum, the New York Metropolitan, the Louvre, Berlin’s Museum Island and the Cairo Museum concentrating on objects from the ancient past. Each week, we will visit a different
A look at the development of boats from the earliest known dug-out canoes from the stone age in Europe/Africa through to the first sea going ships, the circumnavigation of Africa in 600BC and finally the voyage of Hanno the Phoenician to the Gulf of Guinea off the mouth of the Congo River in 450BC and Phidias to Iceland around 300BC. It includes...
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<p>A look at the development of boats from the earliest known dug-out canoes from the stone age in Europe/Africa through to the first sea going ships, the circumnavigation of Africa in 600BC and
During the past 150 years, archaeological excavations in the Near East has brought to light the ancient civilisations of this region. In popular imagination this is dominated by the impressive monumental temples and pyramids of Egypt, the tomb of Tutankhamen, the Rosetta stone, and the winged bulls and palace reliefs from the ruined royal cities of...
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One of the greatest pleasures any visitor to Rome can have is to follow in the footsteps of centurions and saints on the Empire’s most famous road, passing tombs, catacombs, churches, circuses and villas through vistas of incomparable beauty. The very stones beneath your feet are nearly 2000 years old, but the road encompasses and defies time –...
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Egypt had a number of female rulers. However, no Egyptian queen took upon herself the titles and regalia of a pharaoh with the exception of the New Kingdom queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was one Egypt’s greatest rulers. She ruled Egypt as both king and queen for around 20 years, sharing a co-regency with her step-son Thutmose III. Her mortuary temple...
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<p>Egypt had a number of female rulers. However, no Egyptian queen took upon herself the titles and regalia of a pharaoh with the exception of the New Kingdom queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was one
From the 8th to 4th centuries BC, the sophisticated and innovative Etruscans dominated the beautiful area of Italy now known as Tuscany. Their ancient native culture interacted with those of Greece and Phoenicia to produce an astonishing array of frescos, jewellery, sculpture and pottery. The Etruscans were famous for their oracles, metalwork, and...
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The city of Rome is both uplifted and cradled within its seven famous hills – the Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, Viminal, while other hills, such as the Vatican, Pincian, Janinculum, mark its outer boundaries. Prepare for your next trip to this glorious city with a tour of its districts hill by hill - and savour their...
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As ‘the land between the rivers’, Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq), formed a significant part of the Fertile Crescent. It was home to the earliest of civilizations, the Sumerians, and at various times in its history hosted the ancient world’s ‘superpowers’: the Babylonians, Hittites, Assyrians and Persians. Alexander the Great was mesmerised by its...
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