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2.THEMES

A series of cross-curricular sessions exploring themes and topics that use archaeology to shed light on the contemporary world through the lens of the past. Each session can be booked individually or included in tailor-made packages. You can simply mix and match with other sessions across the offer and we can tailor the sessions to better fit you’re your programme.

2.1 - Citzenship. Who gets a voice?

In this engaging session, pupils explore who had a voice in ancient societies such as Greece, Rome, and Egypt by examining assembly spaces, artefacts, inscriptions, and monuments. Through these sources, they analyse evidence of inclusion and exclusion, discussing how power and representation shaped ancient communities and comparing ideas of freedom of expression. Pupils develop empathy and historical enquiry skills by considering different perspectives and social roles. In the workshop, the class collaborates to create their own “citizens’ charter,” reflecting principles of fairness and participation inspired by ancient practices. They then hold a debate on a chosen topic, experiencing firsthand how voices are heard and decisions made. This cross-curricular session encourages critical thinking about representation, linking past systems to pupils’ roles in school and community life.

Duration: 2 hours
Price: £120
Level: KS3
Delivery: This session can be delivered either in school or online.

2.2 - Persuasion. The Art of Influence in the Ancient World

In this session, pupils explore how persuasion shaped public life in ancient Greece and Rome. They learn about Aristotle’s three modes of persuasion—ethos, pathos, and logos—and see how Greek speakers used these techniques in the Athenian assembly. The lesson also introduces Roman rhetoric, highlighting figures like Cicero, who mastered persuasive speech to influence politics and law. Pupils discuss examples from both cultures and their impact on society. In the workshop, they work in groups to craft and deliver persuasive speeches on relevant topics, practicing the art of influence. This session develops pupils’ confidence, critical thinking, and appreciation of how rhetoric has shaped communication across history.

Duration: 2 hours
Price: £120
Level: KS3
Delivery: This session can be delivered either in school or online.

2.3 - War and Identity in the Ancient World

In this session, pupils explore the role of conflict across ancient Greek, Roman, and modern societies, examining how warfare has shaped identity and citizenship over time. Through an interactive lesson, they learn how free-born male citizens in Greece and Rome served as soldiers defending their city-states and empire, and how war was closely tied to communal values and civic duty. Pupils study archaeological evidence, inscriptions, art, and literature from different eras to understand how conflict was depicted and remembered. Discussions focus on how military service defined belonging and united communities. In the practical workshop, pupils design and craft their own hoplite shields using cardboard and paint, inspired by authentic symbols and motifs. This hands-on activity encourages creative engagement with ancient material culture and highlights the enduring impact of conflict on societies.

Duration: 2 hours
Price: £120
Level: KS3
Delivery: This session can be delivered either in school or online.

2.4 - Resources. The Archaeology of Power, Wealth and Control

In this session, pupils investigate how access to and control of natural resources shaped politics, power, and conflict in both the ancient and modern world. The interactive lesson focuses on examples from Ancient Athens and Rome: pupils learn how Athens’ silver mines at Laurion funded its powerful navy and democratic institutions, while Rome’s expansion into Britain secured access to tin mines in Wales—key for producing bronze and maintaining trade dominance. Pupils explore how resources influenced foreign policy, led to wars, and impacted alliances, using maps, ancient texts, and archaeological evidence. In the workshop, pupils role-play as city-state or empire leaders, deciding how to manage and protect their resources. They design strategic maps and write short policy statements, debating alliances, trade, or military action. This session encourages pupils to think critically about economic and environmental factors in past and present political decision-making.

Duration: 2 hours
Price: £120
Level: KS3
Delivery: This session can be delivered either in school or online.

2.5 - Encounters. Journeys and Migration in the Ancient World

In this session, pupils explore how migration and cultural encounters shaped ancient Greek and Roman societies. The lesson begins with Greek colonisation, focusing on how city-states like Athens and Corinth founded settlements across the Mediterranean—from southern Italy to the Black Sea—bringing their language, art, and customs into contact with local populations. Pupils then examine the Roman world, where movement of people was also central. They learn about soldiers and communities stationed along Hadrian’s Wall, including recruits from distant provinces such as Syria, Gaul, and North Africa. The final case study introduces Palmyra, a key trading city that blended Greco-Roman and eastern traditions. In the workshop, pupils create illustrated “Migration Maps” showing routes, cities, and cultural encounters, followed by a storytelling activity where they imagine the experiences of an ancient settler or trader navigating these diverse worlds. This session builds understanding of connection, movement, and cultural exchange.

Duration: 2 hours
Price: £120
Level: KS3
Delivery: This session can be delivered either in school or online.

2.6 - Government. Voice, Control and Expansion in the Ancient World

In this session, pupils explore how ancient Athens and Rome defined citizenship, structured governance, and expanded their influence through imperialism. The lesson begins with Athenian democracy, where free-born male citizens participated directly in decision-making through the Assembly and the Council of 500. Pupils examine how this system fostered civic engagement but excluded women, slaves, and foreigners. They then study Roman governance, noting how citizenship evolved from a privileged status to a tool for unifying the empire. Through laws and military service, Rome extended citizenship to conquered peoples, integrating diverse cultures into its political framework. In the workshop, pupils create comparative charts of Athenian and Roman political structures and role-play scenarios debating policies on citizenship and expansion. This session encourages critical thinking about how definitions of citizenship and strategies of governance influenced the growth and cohesion of ancient empires.

Duration: 2 hours
Price: £120
Level: KS3
Delivery: This session can be delivered either in school or online.

Prices

Prices include all equipment, teaching and workshop materials and FREE preparatory and follow up activities for your classroom.

Discounts are applied when three or more sessions/workshops are booked together.

Travel costs may apply for schools located more than 20 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne (UK).

Number of pupils: Each in person session is designed for one classroom, typically around 30 pupils. Online sessions can be extended to larger groups.

Info and Booking

To contact us for more info and for booking please check our Contact Us page or write us at archaeotrek@gmail.com

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