BLOOD, SWEAT & SPEARS: Ancient Warfare

In this craft-filled workshop, students will handle and interpret original and replica artefacts of war such as ancient arrowheads, swords  and helmets, and make their own Greek hoplite warrior shield. Students will learn about hoplite armour and the important role that Hoplites played in ancient Greek city states like Sparta, where free citizens served as hoplites their entire lives. Donning their armour, students will engage in a historical re-enactment of the hoplite’s famous phalanx military formation.

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The workshop will challenge students’ visual literacy skills, spur group discussion, critical historical inquiry and develop students’ abilities to draw conclusions based on primary source evidence.

Looking actively and closely at artefacts of war students explore:

• The development of ancient Greek warfare,

• The nature of aristocratic and Homeric warfare as opposed to hoplite values,

• Warfare as depicted in mythological contexts and historical events,

• War and trade at sea.

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This workshop links with the following Victorian Curriculum F-10 Learning Areas and Capabilities:
 

Learning Areas: History, Visual Arts, Civics and Citizenship, English
 

Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Capability, Intercultural Capability, Personal and Social Capability

Ideal for: Grades 1 – 6
Duration: 1.5 hours
Delivery: On-site at the Hellenic Museum

Classroom capacity: 25-30 students

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Cost: $15 per student