Ancient Studies

The Department of Ancient Studies at Stellenbosch University offers a comprehensive curriculum that delves into the histories and cultures of ancient civilisations – from Egypt to Mesopotamia, North Africa, and the ancient Mediterranean, including Greece and Rome. Our languages, literature and cultural studies programmes equip students with the analytical skills to evaluate ancient evidence and draw insightful connections to contemporary issues.
 

Beyond the classroom, we extend our impact through active community outreach. We work with local and international partners, including heritage institutions, to host public lectures and events that bring the ancient world to life. Our ongoing museum collaborations and volunteer efforts support the preservation and broader appreciation of ancient artefacts. As well as regular undergraduate and postgraduate modules for students in Arts and Social Sciences, we offer hybrid modules in the biblical languages at first year level for postgraduate students, and a medical terminology short course, expanding our impact beyond our faculty and beyond the walls of the university.
 

Contact us
+27 21 808 3203
[email protected]​

Physical address
Third Floor
Arts and Social Sciences Building
Corner of Merriman Avenue and Ryneveld streets
Stellenbosch
 

“We teach students to critically engage with primary evidence and scholarship, to take a critical distance from their context.”

Our Programmes

Ancient Cultures

Study ancient Mediterranean, North African, and Western Asian societies through texts, artefacts, and archaeological findings.

Ancient Greek

Learn Ancient Greek grammar and read classical and Biblical texts, gaining insight into Greek culture and history.

Biblical Hebrew

Study Biblical Hebrew language, grammar, and texts to understand the Old Testament's historical and cultural context.

Latin

Learn Latin grammar and read Roman texts, understanding Roman culture and its influence on the modern world.

Classical Legal Culture

Explore Roman law principles and their relevance to contemporary legal systems, including South African law.

Postgraduate Programmes

Ancient Cultures

Deepen your understanding of ancient societies by exploring texts, artefacts, and research methodologies in a specialised context. This is available at Honours, Masters, and PhD levels.

Ancient Languages

Specialise in Biblical Hebrew, Ancient Greek, or Latin, focusing on literature, linguistics, and translation of ancient texts. This is available at Honours, Masters, and PhD levels.