This book introduces students to the chief disciplines, methods and sources employed in 'doing' ancient history, as opposed to 'reading' it. The book:

* Encourages readers to engage with historical sources, rather than to be passive recipients of historical tales

* Gives readers a sense of the nature of evidence and its use in the reconstruction of the past

* Helps them to read a historical narrative with more critical appreciation

* Encourages them to consider the differences between their own experience of ancient sources, and the use of these objects within the everyday life of ancient society

* A concise bibliographical essay at the end of each chapter refers to introductions, indices, research tools and interpretations, and explains scholarly jargon

* Written clearly, concisely and concretely, invoking ancient illustrations and modern parallels as appropriate.