Ancient History
What is Ancient History?
Ancient History covers the time period from the earliest human societies to the end of the last major civilization before the modern era. This wide time frame allows students to explore the rise and fall of empires, the impact of major historical events and figures, and the continuity and changes in human societies over time.
Coursework in Ancient History typically includes studying primary and secondary sources, such as texts, artifacts, and archaeological evidence. Students learn to analyze and interpret this evidence to understand the past. Ancient History courses often focus on specific regions, such as the Mediterranean, Egypt, Greece, or Rome.
The field of ancient history is divided into three distinct sub-disciplines: archaeology, historiography, and philology.
Ancient History Resources
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
The classic illustrated introduction to the Greek gods, goddesses and heroes — a staple read-aloud in classical homeschool programs.
The Golden Goblet
A Newbery Honor novel set in ancient Egypt, commonly paired with ancient-history studies for grades 5-8.
The Bronze Bow
Elizabeth George Speare's Newbery Medal novel set in Roman-occupied Galilee, a mainstay of ancient-history literature lists.
Famous Men of Rome
Memoria Press's classical-education reader covering Rome through short biographies, from Romulus to Constantine.
The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey
Sutcliff's companion volume to Black Ships Before Troy, retelling Homer's Odyssey for middle-grade and early high school readers.
Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of the Iliad
Rosemary Sutcliff's vivid prose retelling of Homer's Iliad, widely used to introduce middle-grade students to the Trojan War.
A Child's History of the World
V. M. Hillyer's warm, story-driven survey of human history from cave dwellers to modern times—a classic homeschool read-aloud spine for elementary and middle-grade students.
Smithsonian Timelines of the Ancient World
This full-color volume covers the span of prehistory, from the beginnings of the Earth and the emergence of mankind in Africa, through to Egypt and the pyramids, the fall of the Roman Empire, the voyages of discovery, and the height of the Inca Empir...
Chinese Mythology Mega Bundle for Kids
A five-storybook bundle retelling classic Chinese myths for kids, with activities, cards, and map resources for grades 2-5.
K-2 World History: Volume 3 - Ancient China and Greece
K-2 Core Curriculum – World History: Volume 3 – Ancient China and Greece This is Volume III of the three part K-2 Core Curriculum World History series. In this fun and interactive unit study, designed to meet and exceed state and nation...
Introduction to Ancient Greek History with Donald Kagan
This is an introductory course in Greek history tracing the development of Greek civilization as manifested in political, intellectual, and creative achievements from the Bronze Age to the end of the classical period. Students read original sources i...
6-8 History: Ancient Civilizations II
6-8 Core Curriculum - History: Ancient Civilizations II This is Volume II of the Grades 6-8 History series! Take your children on this fascinating trip back in time to explore the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Highlights include mul...