What is Classics?
Classics is the study of Ancient Greece and Rome, from the writings of Homer in the 8th Century BCE to the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th CE.
This particular period is chosen, because unlike other cultures of the same period, the Greeks and Romans left significant written records. The period ends with the sacking of Rome, when Europe entered a period of relative chaos called the ‘Dark Ages’.
The Classical Age produced a number of remarkable achievements and this is why we study all aspects of society. Many of the epics and tragedies are yet to be bettered after more than 2500 years. There are also works of art of extraordinary beauty and remarkable engineering triumphs. The history of the Classical Age is extremely rich and is full of incredible feats.
Most importantly we study classics because it is interesting. It is a world far different from our own and the documentation left by the Greeks and Romans allows us to study it in some depth.