If you and your pupils have enjoyed studying an ancient civilisation, such as the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, or Maya, then enter your work for the Young Historian Awards’ Ancient Civilisation prizes. The aim of the competition is to celebrate the great work being done by schools and individuals, so we do not set a particular topic or question. It’s up to you to choose the civilisation which appeals to you and to investigate the questions about that civilisation which you find the most interesting.

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Did you know that the word history was created by the ancient Greeks? It means enquiry. The best answers we receive are like a piece of detective work, asking questions about the evidence left behind by ancient civilisations.

You might want to find out about everyday life, spectacular buildings, or the reasons behind a person or a civilisation’s success by reading the accounts they left behind and analysing the objects they used every day. You might want to explain which aspects of a civilisation you find most appealing or appalling.

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How do I enter?

Simply fill in the competition entry form here and send your entry to enquiries@history.org.uk with the e-mail header ‘Young Historian entry from [your school’s name]’.

Please use WeTransfer wetransfer.com if the entry is large (above 5MB).

If your entry is in paper form, please contact enquiries@history.org.uk for further information.

You should include a list of the sources you used to complete your entry, e.g. books and websites. 

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What makes a good entry?

Your entry can be in any format, including written responses, plays, or posters. The best entries answer a question about an ancient civilisation, rather than writing down as

much information as someone can find from a book or website without analysing what they’ve read. Recent entries which have been successful have asked:

                               · What do coins tells us about Roman society?

                               · Why were the Spartans so good at fighting?

                               · A comparison of the Ancient Chinese and Indian Civilizations

                               · What makes a good Roman Emperor?

We’re looking to see that you have:

                               · Included and analysed the evidence from the civilisation (their primary sources) you are studying, for

                                 example coins, written evidence, inscriptions, buildings.

                               · Thought carefully about the best way to present your answer. This might be a booklet with hidden

                                 panels, a piece of extended writing, a play or podcast, a cartoon, or something you’ve come up with.

                               · Told us what you think about the topic and why you enjoyed studying it. Don’t just copy down what

                                 someone else has written without thinking about it or include something that isn’t relevant to your title.

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Can we enter as a group?

Yes, we accept group entries. Please make sure that you include the name of everyone who has worked on an entry.

 

Does the topic have to be about classical civilisations?

No. Although Classics for All sponsor the award, you can submit entries on any civilisation from the ancient world (before c. 1000 CE). As well as Greek and Roman civilisations, recent successful entries have investigated the impact of migration on Britain, the Silk Road, ancient Trypillia (ancient Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania), and even Atlantis.

 

When is the deadline?

We accept entries throughout the year. For details of this year’s deadline, check the website here

We’ll contact you or your teacher with news about the results and prizes in early August.