Cradles of Civilisation: The Babylonians (with British Museum Visit)
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- Start Date: 03 Nov 2025End Date: 01 Dec 2025Mon (Daytime): 11:45 - 13:45Learn both online and in-personLocation: Blended (learn both online and in-person)Duration: 5 sessions (over -5 weeks)Course Code: HWH126Tutors: Hugo CookFull fee £139.00 Senior fee £111.00 Concession £90.00
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What is the course about?
The Babylonians were one of the most famous and influential civilisations. In this course, you will be introduced to their history and legacy.
What will we cover?
To this day, the Babylonians are recognised as a sginificant civilisation. In this course, we will look at the history, archaeology, architecture, religion, inventions, and culture of this fascinating period.
From the mathematics and astronomy that still influences today’s science, to the laws and literature hidden in the cuneiform, we will explore what makes this civilisation so important to world history and so enduring in people’s interest.
We will also look at key objects in the British Museum, such as the dazzling fragment of the Ishtar Gate, to understand how to ‘read’ Babylonian artefacts in any museum you visit.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand the broad overview of Babylonian history and culture
- appreiciate the objects you see in museum collections.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for complete beginners, and for anyone curious.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught via a series of lectures at City Lit, with a visit to the British Museum in the final class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper for notetaking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may be interested in Hugo's Term 2 courses:
HWH207 Cradles of Civilisation: The Phoenicians
HWH208 Cradles of Civilisation: The Hittites
HWH209 Cradles of Civilisation: The Levantines.
Hugo Cook studied Egyptology at Oxford and Cambridge universities. He can read six ancient languages and has worked as an Egyptologist in galleries, TV documentaries, educational institutions, and publications. Recently he has been working on a major new museum in Egypt and is writing a new book on Egyptology for Macmillan Publishers. He develops online Egyptological content for over 90,000 followers. Nothing gives him more joy than discussing antiquity with interested students.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.