A rich variety of archaeological remains and literary sources reveals a world of poets, historians, artists, politicians, emperors, priests, administrators, slaves, soldiers, aristocrats and ordinary men and women. Understanding the ambitions, beliefs and lives of this world enriches our understanding of what it is to be human and the rise of our societies. Year one provides a broad introduction to archaeological methods and the archaeology and history of Egypt, Greece, Rome and the ancient Near East. In years two and three you study subjects central to our understanding of ancient civilisations, social and political organisation, art, religion and texts, combined with a detailed study of at least two civilisations (the Near East, Egypt, or Greece and Rome). This programme requires four weeks of archaeological experience spread over years one and two. Year one fieldwork consists of participation in the department field school. In year two, many students work on overseas research excavations, currently these are based in Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Zambia as well as the UK.