This module offers you an advanced exploration of the ancient history and archaeology of Sicily, from the Iron Age to the Hellenistic period. Located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Sicily was a dynamic and contested region that played a central role in shaping ancient cultural, political, and economic life. You will investigate how Sicily’s past is reconstructed by critically engaging with archaeological evidence, historical texts, and inscriptions, and by questioning how different forms of evidence shape historical interpretation.
You will explore key themes including Iron Age societies, Greek settlement and myth-making, urbanisation, and the development of Sicilian poleis. The module examines political power and social organisation, from tyranny and democracy to warfare, diplomacy, and inter-city competition, encouraging you to compare different communities and assess competing interpretations of Sicily’s complex past.
A strong emphasis is placed on independent research and advanced analytical skills. Through hands-on computer practicals, you will work with digital tools and visual analytical methods used by archaeologists and historians, developing skills that support original research and are directly relevant to your dissertation. By the end of the module, you will be well equipped to evaluate evidence critically, construct and communicate sophisticated historical arguments, and reflect on the challenges of interpreting the ancient world.