Key facts
UNE unit code: ANCH328
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

This unit provides you with valuable insights into the urban history of key towns and cities of the ancient world. You will examine the social fabric, political structure, history, archaeology, economy, art, architecture and other essential features of ancient towns and cities. Additionally, you will explore concepts of urbanisation and the city as a social, economic, religious, cultural, architectural and political institution.
Detailed consideration is given to the role of the ancient town and city as the pivotal focus of ancient civilisations, and what these towns and cities have contributed to human culture, with an emphasis on literary, archaeological and material evidence.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- conduct independent research into the important features of the social, political, cultural, and architectural features of ancient towns and cities, and thereby demonstrating pedagogical autonomy, well-developed judgement, and responsibility as a learner;
- demonstrate a broad understanding, and conceptual knowledge, of the key themes concerning ancient towns and cities;
- present a properly documented argument addressing an historical problem or issue relating to an ancient town or city, demonstrating a sound knowledge of the ancient evidence;
- select and synthesise ideas and arguments from modern sources, showing an understanding of modern scholarship on ancient towns and cities; and
- demonstrate an ability to articulate and communicate in written form the main themes and intellectual problems involved in understanding ancient towns and cities by writing structured prose and framing arguments at an undergraduate level.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 45% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Quiz: 10 objective response questions No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Ancient Cities: The Archaeology of Urban Life in the Ancient Near East and Egypt, Greece and Rome
ISBN: 9780367232214
Gates, C., Routledge 3rd ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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