Power and Ideology in Antiquity

Module description

Power and Ideology in Antiquity will focus on the states and empires of ancient western Asia in the first half of the first millennium BCE. These centuries saw the expansion and later the destruction of the neo-Assyrian empire, the reinvention of Babylonian monarchy under the neo-Babylonian empire, and the emergence of new powers on the eastern frontier of Mesopotamia, culminating in the military conquest of the entire region by Cyrus II. The module will examine the textual and material remains of these kingdoms, in particular focusing on the cities of Nineveh and Babylon, and using the holdings and history of the British Museum as a context for their study.

 

Assessment details

1 x 2-hour examination (100%)

Educational aims & objectives

This module focuses on a case study of authority and governance in the ancient Mediterranean, Eurasia and/or North Africa. The case study uses a range of primary evidence (including texts in translation and material culture) to construct a chronological framework and analyse impactful or influential political, social or intellectual trends. There is a thematic emphasis on studying systems of control and negotiation, and relevant thought, across ancient states.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate evidence-handling skills and historiographical discussion appropriate to a Level 5 module. In particular, they will show:

• general knowledge of chronology and geography relevant to the case study.
• ability to integrate this general knowledge as a context for major social, political or cultural developments in antiquity.
• a systematic understanding of the types of textual and material evidence for assembling a picture of an ancient state, population or phenomenon.
• the ability to synthesize these sources effectively in thematic discussion of key topics.
• the readiness to debate independently the approaches to take in analysing this evidence to assemble historical narratives and cultural pictures of antiquity.

Teaching pattern

10 x 1-hour lectures and 10 x 1-hour seminars

Module description disclaimer

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Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.