Concentration in Ancient History

Students in the Ancient History concentration will be trained both as historians and as classicists.

Qualification for entrance
Applicants should have studied both Greek and Latin to an advanced undergraduate level. Also desirable is a basic knowledge of ancient history and/or classical archaeology. Students should mention their interest in ancient history when filling out their application and include a relevant writing sample.

Requirements for the PhD
Students must satisfy the general degree requirements of the graduate program in Classics.

1. The First Year Examination is a written examination in Greek and Latin prose and poetry; it is designed to ensure basic linguistic competence in Greek and Latin.
2. The “Q” Examination is a written examination designed to examine knowledge of the Classics reading list and to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in Greek and Latin.
3. The two major areas for purposes of the “A” Examination in this concentration are Greek History and Roman History. The third, or minor, area will be chosen in consultation with the Special Committee; the Field recommends a combined minor area in Greek and Latin literature.
4. Minimum course work will be distributed as follows:

• four seminars in ancient history
• two seminars in ancient historiography
• four seminars in classical literature and philology (of which one may be in ancient philosophy or linguistics)
• three seminars in archaeology, epigraphy and numismatics, of which two must be in either archaeology or epigraphy
• two seminars in areas of history other than Ancient Greece and Rome.