Why study the ancient Mediterranean civilisations when we live in New Zealand in the twenty-first century? The brilliantly creative eras of Greek and Roman culture from c.800 BC – 400 AD, and the periods of growth and decline which flank them, laid the foundations of Western society as we experience it today, warts and all. The very words by which we know such important concepts as democracy, philosophy, theatre, rhetoric, psychology (to name just a few) are Greek in origin, indicating that they are ancient Greek inventions. Likewise, the cultural legacy of Rome is far-reaching, especially in architecture, administration and law-making, in addition to its literature and art.

The successful study of Classics cultivates highly desirable skills employers want in the twenty-first century: critical and rigorous thinking, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, reasoning, analysis, and a well-formed awareness of others’ viewpoints and cultural identity. Many students who have majored in Classics have gone into teaching and academic careers, while others have branched off into other professions such as art conservation, museum curatorship, music, law, administration, public policy, library science and business. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Internal Affairs and Treasury are always on the lookout for good graduates in Classics.