Editorial: Ancient Worlds

Read The Historian 164: Ancient Worlds

A couple of generations ago an edition of a history publication on the theme of ancient worlds would probably just have included features on the Greeks and the Romans. It is now widely accepted that ancient history should have a broader focus, embracing developments in continents beyond Europe. To that end, this edition includes studies of the ancient societies of China and the Kingdom of Nabataea in the Arabian Desert. The ever-popular topic of Roman history still features strongly too, with material evidence from Chedworth in Gloucestershire and St Albans in Hertfordshire providing fresh insights into key aspects of Roman ways of life. Going even further back in time, an account of a project in Wales shows us the vital role of archaeology in preserving evidence and knowledge about our Iron Age ancestors. An ‘update’ feature also gives insights into new geographical and ethical approaches to the study of ancient worlds.

Beyond the theme of ancient worlds, there are varied articles about local events in Yorkshire and Suffolk, moments of great national significance such as the Exclusion Crisis and the First World War and wider world developments to military and political institutions in both Germany and India. Regular features can also be found, including news from a local Historical Association branch in Bristol and an interview with Dutch author and scholar Mineke Schipper.

Together these features cover a wide range of both time and space in the historical areas they explore. We hope that readers enjoy this variety. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us on anything you read in this or any other edition of The Historian. We would particularly welcome any questions for our Ask The Historian feature on the subject of crime and punishment history, which will be the main theme for an upcoming edition.

We send best wishes to all our readers for a healthy and enjoyable 2025.