Leadership in the Ancient World
UndergraduateMAQ-AHIX32042027
Course information for 2027 intake
Leadership in the ancient world was closely tied to kingship, religion and authority. Examine how they worked together, and use historical evidence to assess different forms of leadership.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 18 July 2027
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 26 July 2027
- Price from
- $2,355
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Leadership in the Ancient World
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to
- Explore the articulation of leadership in ancient societies.
- Identify the fundamental theoretical, conceptual and methodological frameworks for the analysis of ancient leadership.
- Evaluate modern scholarly interpretations of leadership.
- Formulate coherent arguments both orally and in writing to communicate to an academic audience.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials
Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Persian civilizations developed the concept that rulers were chosen by gods or were divine themselves. Kings served as religious intermediaries between human and divine worlds. This kingship model influenced political thinking across the ancient world as rulers adopted divine backing to legitimize authority. The Greeks revolutionized leadership thinking by questioning what makes government legitimate. Aristotle identified three "good" forms—monarchy, aristocracy, and polity—alongside their corrupted versions: tyranny, oligarchy, and mob rule. Rome's evolution reveals tension between republican ideals and imperial necessities. Emperors maintained republican appearances while concentrating real power, mastering both potestas (formal authority) and auctoritas (moral influence). This created the Principate—emperors as "first citizens" rather than as kings. In contrast, early Christianity introduced leadership based on sacrifice rather than power. Martyrs gained influence, creating authority that challenged both Roman power and church hierarchy. The cult of martyrs shows how moral exemplarity generated lasting influence, with these figures continuing to "lead" communities after death across the Mediterranean world. The unit, as a whole, allows you to reflect upon the nature of good leadership and the limits of authority.
- Annotated Bibliography (30%)
- Presentation (30%)
- Essay (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Others
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
AHIS3204 Leadership in the Ancient World
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-HIS-DEG
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