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Resource reviews are provided for teachers to support their teaching and learning programs.
The views expressed by reviewers are not necessarily those of the NSW Department of Education and Training. Copyright for reviews is held by the NSW
Department of Education and Training. Permission for reproduction of reviews in part or full for any purpose must be sought in writing. For further
information contact colleen.foley@det.nsw.edu.au
Sites are listed alphabetically by title. Those reviews which note links to other sites, especially as a major part of the site, will require
additional exploration time by teachers to verify specific curriculum applications relevant to their classes. The USER LEVEL descriptor,
Professional, is a pertinent reminder of such issues. Please note that changes happen daily on the Internet. Sites come and go. We
cannot guarantee that the following sites are permanent or are structured as they were when they were reviewed.
The ancient Egypt site
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greek Civilizations
The ancient Greek world
Ancientscripts.com: a compendium of world-wide writing systems from prehistory to today
Anthony’s Egyptology & archaeology
Archaeology
Bureaucrats & barbarians: Minoans, Mycenaeans & the Greek Dark Ages
Color tour of Egypt
Digital Roman
Forum
Egypt’s golden empire
Eternal Egypt
Forum Romanum
Hatshepsut: the queen who would be king
Hellenic Macedonia: history and civilization from antiquity to the present
Hercules: Greece’s greatest hero
Historiography: how historians do history
History (PBS history)
History and historiography
History toolkit
Inside Romans
Issues and causes
Livius articles on ancient history
Mark Millmore’s ancient Egypt (Egypt pyramids pharaohs hieroglyphs)
Highlights of the collections by regions (Oriental Institute Museum)
News in science: ancient worlds
Pharoah Maatkare Hatshepsut daughter of Amun Ra
The pyramids of Giza
Ten commandments of good historical writing: with apologies to the author of the original ten
The plateau - official website of Dr Zahi Howass
The
Parthenon
Theban Mapping Project
Timeline: some historical events, chosen at random
Tour Egypt feature: Deir el-Medina
Tutankhamun
Tutankhamun: anatomy of an excavation
Virtual-Egypt: the Egyptian people’s papyrus
World history archives
The ancient Egypt site 
More than 175 keywords listed From A-Z, used to sort the information and resources, enable quick navigation of this site. This listing
is refined into categories of Kings, Miscellaneous, People, Religions, and
New & updated. Features of the site include an examination of Saqqara; an overview of hieroglyphs in
Language; and History, with a timeline giving information on particular periods or kingdoms. The major sections have
easy access to specific information. Maps, and images of sites and art works add value to this useful and clearly presented site. E. Kidd
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – History – To 332 B.C.
KEYWORDS: Ancient Egypt; Hieroglyph; Saqquara
AUTHOR: Jacques Kinnear, Belgium
REVIEW DATE: 28/3/03 SCIS 1057807
Ancient Greece
Among the many websites catering for students of ancient Greece, this site is among a minority that are accessible for Stage 4 while providing useful
material for Stage 6. Students can easily navigate the site to find information on Art and architecture, Geography,
History, Mythology, Olympics, People, and Wars. For each topic the
site provides basic information followed by more complex and detailed articles along with some excellent links. Other links are much less impressive and
not necessarily reliable and several lead only to advertisements. Despite this, the site is a worthwhile resource for the History 7–10 Topic:
Societies and civilisations of the past. It also provides some good resources for the study of ancient Greece in Ancient History Stage
6. R. Darlington
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Architecture, Greek; Art, Greek; Greece – History; Mythology, Greek; Olympic Games
PUBLISHER: Universal Artists, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/09/07 [938]
SCIS 1027055
Ancient Greek
civilizations
Crisply presented, this overview of various aspects of Aegean history begins with the Minoans and includes a look at the women of Athens and Sparta. The
Greek image gallery, located via the History of Aegean civilization, provides a ready and convenient source of Minoan and
Mycenean artefacts and architecture. It is a useful place for archaeological source work. Complete versions of Herodotus’s The
history and Homer’s The illiad and The odyssey, are incorporated in this site. Junior History students completing the
Topic: Societies and civilisations of the past could find the Maps useful, and the site’s material supports the study of
ancient Greek civics and citizenship in History 7–10. The site has some usefulness for Ancient History students of the Greek options. B. Hull
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Civilisation, Greek; Greece – Social life and customs 404 – 146 B.C., Hellenistic
period; Greece – Social life and customs 500 – 404 B.C., Classical period
PUBLISHER: Minnesota State University, USA
REVIEW DATE: 18/12/06 [938] SCIS
1280629
The ancient Greek
world
The organisation of this site points to several important aspects of Greek history and society. It does this by breaking the information into
chronological time periods. This makes it a very valuable resource for Ancient History students, particularly those students studying Athenian society in
the time of Pericles. Each time period is examined under the subheadings: Land and archaeological time; Daily life;
Economy; and Religion and death. A separate section is entitled Greek pottery; its archaeological
importance will also be of interest to students. Students need to be aware that the term, Greek, is used where Athenian would have been more appropriate.
This indicates an occasional lack of differentiation between the Greek poleis, but students would still benefit from an examination of this worthwhile
site. B. Hull, J. Kempthorne
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Civilisation, Greek; Family – Greece - History; Greece – History – 500-404 B.C., Classical period
KEYWORDS: Ancient Greece; Archaeology; Greek history
PUBLISHER: University of Pennsylvania, USA
REVIEW DATE: 3/9/03 [938] SCIS 1080988
Ancientscripts.com: a compendium of world-wide writing
systems from prehistory to today
The comprehensive origins of Writing systems are included in the Introduction, Types,
Families, Regions, Timeline and an A to Z listing on this valuable site. These menus
enable students to access information on a huge range of scripts. There are also menus for Phonetics, Historical
linguistics, Journal articles, Games, Downloads, Reference and
Links. Go to articles archive has links to online articles on topics such as Etruscan text find and a
possible Canaanite spell, transcribed in Egyptian hieroglyphs from the third millennium BCE. While Games is still being developed,
Links leads to a vast array of sites dealing with writing systems, archaeology and related topics. Although Ancient History Stage 6
students are not required to have knowledge of ancient writing systems, a visit to this site will enrich a study of sources used in any of the topics in
the Preliminary and HSC courses. R. Darlington
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: English; HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; English 7–10; HSC History Stage 6: Extension
SCIS SUBJECTS: Writing systems – History
PUBLISHER: L. Lo, USA
REVIEW DATE: 02/12/08 [411] SCIS 1391950
Anthony’s Egyptology &
archaeology
Relevant information can be found at this comprehensive site. The information is easily accessed through such headings as: Directory of ancient
Egyptian sites; Directory of ancient Egyptian gods; Timeline of the great pharaohs; and
Mummies. These topics are well supported by appropriate graphics. Details of the Pyramid complex at Giza are useful for
studies in Old Kingdom Egypt as part of the of the Ancient History: Stage 6 syllabus topic, Ancient societies. Audio downloads are
available for some topics; and Quick information windows provides brief details about a range of interesting basic topics. There are
many links to external sites, but time would be required to determine their curriculum relevance. E. Kidd
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History Stages 4-5
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – Historic buildings, sites, etc; Egypt – History – To 332 B.C.; Egypt – Religions; Gods
and goddesses
KEYWORDS: Egyptology; mummies; pyramid
PUBLISHER: Osiris Designs Ltd., USA
AUTHOR: Anthony DiPaolo
REVIEW DATE: 28/3/03 SCIS 1057820
Archaeology
An
outstanding resource for student research into archaeology, this resource explains techniques, tools, fascinating digs and some archaeological
controversies. Among the many treasures of this site are articles on wreck diving, battlefield archaeology, marine archaeology, carbon dating and aerial
surveys. The site also explores the ethical issues involved in excavating human remains. The main focus is on archaeological sites in Britain but there
is enough good material here, from prehistory to D-Day, to stimulate the imagination of students. Interactive games and virtual tours are very suitable
for History 7–10. Site material is particularly suitable for the Ancient History Topic: Investigating the past: history, archaeology and
science. R. Darlington
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Ancient history; Archaeology; Civilisation, Ancient
PUBLISHER: BBC, UK
REVIEW DATE: 10/09/07
[930.1] SCIS 1306851
Bureaucrats & barbarians: Minoans,
Mycenaeans & the Greek Dark Ages
Several aspects of this early period of Greek history are presented in this easy to navigate site. Topics include women and religion, and online
resources include a bibliography, an atlas and maps, and cultural readings. While students may use the resource as an introduction to this period of
history, information is merely text on screen with only a couple of black and white visual sources. The site generally describes this time and place,
although the language can be quite complex. Few primary sources are used. Students completing the Ancient History Options: Greece:
the Bronze Age – society in Minoan Creteand Greece: the Bronze Age – Mycenaean society may find
this site of limited use. B. Hull
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Greece – History – To 500 B.C.; Minoans
PUBLISHER: Washington State University, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/09/07 [938]
SCIS 1317094
Color tour of Egypt
Users can easily access information on this collection of primarily New Kingdom archeological sites from either a listing or a Clickable
map. The geographical and archaeological features described will be particularly useful to students concentrating on the Preliminary content
area Ancient societies; or the HSC content area Personalities in their times. Preliminary course students studying Dier-el Medina
should find the information in The Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology particularly useful. Included is an Egyptian
artifacts exhibit containing views of objects with details of their date, location and significance to the daily life of the time. E. Kidd
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – Antiquities; Egypt – Historic buildings, sites, etc
KEYWORDS: Egypt
PUBLISHER: University of Memphis, USA
REVIEW DATE: 28/3/03 SCIS 1057927
Digital Roman Forum
A scholarly and comprehensive insight into the buildings of the Roman Forum is provided by this website. Students are able to access the digitally
reconstructed Forum through plans, timelines and aerial photos. Each building is described in terms of its history and how the reconstruction was
undertaken, with model information. Quicktime is needed to view the movie or 3-D views. This would be an invaluable resource for Ancient
History students completing the Roman historical periods, as its overview of the development of the Forum is excellent. Stage 6 Visual Arts students may
also find this site a useful adjunct to their art history and practical art components, while Design and Technology students could find this an
interesting approach to model making and design problems. B. Hull
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: CA; HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; Design & Technology Stage 6; Visual Arts Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Architecture – Models; Architecture, Roman; Civilisation, Roman; Computer simulation; Rome (City)
– Historic buildings, sites, etc
PUBLISHER: University of California, USA
REVIEW DATE: 04/04/08 [722] SCIS 1341633
Egypt’s golden
empire
Based on New Kingdom Egypt, this well made site is a companion to the PBS series of the
same name. Students will enjoy using the resource, especially its interactive maps of important sites, which are found in Special
features. The site explores important figures of this time, and life in ancient Egypt through the eyes of women, pharaohs, and workers. This
site includes lesson plans, based on the video, with activities and links that would have to be assessed for curriculum relevance. Stage 4 History
students investigating Egypt would find this a useful and appealing resource. Ancient History students studying the Egyptian personalities of Akhenaten,
Hatshepsut, and Ramesses II, or the New Kingdom options, could use this in a limited way, as archaeological resources are not extensively employed. B.
Hull
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – History – To 332 B.C.; Egypt – Social life and customs – To 332
B.C.; Pharaohs
PUBLISHER: PBS, USA
REVIEW DATE: 26/05/06 [932]
SCIS 1248152
Eternal Egypt
The history of Egypt, from 5000BC to the present day, is presented here in an extraordinary display of modern interactive technologies. Users should
Take a guided tour of Eternal Egypt, to get their bearings onsite. The site is a multimedia extravaganza, with web
cams, audio, animations, three dimensional models, and site recreations. A sensory experience, its visually engaging content, will certainly support the
study of Egypt at HSC level. IBM is a partner in site development and maintenance, and the resource is an excellent example for technology students of
what can be done. The site works best with a fast connection, but text only versions are an option. Material is meticulously cross referenced, as
Connections ably demonstrates, and includes the Topics of artefacts, places and people, and an extensive
Library of articles. Also available in French and Arabic, this is a dynamic presentation of a wonderful range of resources. E.
Searle
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; Languages; TAS
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; Arabic Stage 6: Continuers; Extension; French Stage 6: Continuers;
Extension; History 7–10; History Stage 6: Extension; Information and Software Technology 7–10; Software Design and Development
Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – Antiquities; Egypt – Historic buildings, sites, etc; Egypt – History
PUBLISHER: Egyptian Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CultNat), Egypt
REVIEW DATE: 21/08/05 [932] SCIS 1163804
Forum Romanum
Those with a passion for Roman history will find a vast range of sources here. Maintained by a PhD. candidate at Harvard, the site is a collaborative
project aimed at producing classical literature online. It contains a digital library of Latin literature, Corpus scriptorum latinorum, with hundreds of
Latin texts ranging from antiquity to early modern times, and even a few from the 19th and 20th centuries. Most are in Latin but many have been
translated. Teachers and students will find several sources relevant to the Ancient History Stage 6 Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and
Herculaneum. The site is a good source of information for the personality studies of Tiberius Gracchus and Julius Caesar. R. Darlington
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Latin language; Latin literature; Mythology, Roman – Dictionaries; Rome – History; Rome
– Social life and customs
PUBLISHER: D. Camden, USA
REVIEW DATE: 15/07/08 [937] SCIS 1048740
Hatshepsut: the queen who would be
king
A general introduction to Hatshepsut, this site includes a family tree. The archaeological material is good, especially in relation to her temple at
Dier-el-Bahri, but spelling of names is different from the norm and this needs to be pointed out to students. The index leads to seven internal sites
with detailed information in some. Her cartouche is especially interesting and students are invited to make their own cartouches.
Additional sources would be needed to supplement this site. Suggested links give more detailed information and would require additional exploration time
to verify curriculum relevance. Information is useful for Stage 4 and Stage 6 History students. Stage 6 students could find this site useful as a
starting point. E. Kidd.
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History Stages 4-5
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – History – To 332 B.C. – Biography; Egypt – Kings, queens and rulers; Hatshepsut, Queen of
Egypt
KEYWORDS: Ancient Egypt; Hatshepsut; Queen of Egypt
PUBLISHER: D. Bediz, USA
REVIEW DATE: 13/7/03 [932] SCIS 1092270
Hellenic Macedonia:
history and civilization from antiquity to the present
Presenting the ancient society of Aigai (Vergina), the capital city of Macedonia, this site outlines the archaeological research completed in the area
and the findings of the excavations. From the Macedonian tombs and the Mother of the Gods sanctuary, to villages and
farms, everyday life is examined with a straightforward text and small, but clear, photographs. Many embedded links provide additional information on
Greek history and civilization. The site would be suitable as an introduction to a case study of Vergina. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Civilisation - Greek; Excavations (Archaeology); Hellenism - History; Macedonia - Civilisation; Macedonia - History
PUBLISHER: Ekdotike Athenon, Greece
REVIEW DATE: 02/06/04 [938] SCIS 1156120
Hercules: Greece’s greatest
hero
Stories of the mythical character Hercules can be enjoyed on this easily navigated site. The simple, engaging language will appeal to students, and it is
complemented by an abundance of well-chosen images of archaeological artefacts and sites. These could be a ready resource for exercises in visual
literacy or source analysis. The site has sections on Maps, Women, the Labors of Hercules, and
Other stories. Site material could be incorporated into investigations of mythology as a response to texts, and it is especially useful
for the History 7–10 Topic: Societies and civilisations of the past.Ancient History students studying the Greek society options could find
the pottery a useful adjunct. B. Hull
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: English; HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; English 7–10; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Heracles (Greek mythology); Myths, Greek
PUBLISHER: Perseus Project, USA
REVIEW DATE: 18/12/06 [398.2] SCIS 1290932
Historiography: how historians do
history
As a means of introducing some of the approaches and thinkers who have shaped how history is interpreted, this is a brief and readable resource. Students
can learn how to think like an historian. Those starting their Project for the HSC History Extension course would find this site useful for tuning into
the notion that any historical event or idea can be interpreted in various ways. A key phrase, followed by a concise explanation of their main impact on
history is included for Plutarch; Toynbee; Hegel; Darwin; Marx; and others. Such a listing would be useful as a springboard for basic research into these
and other influences that shape how history is viewed. J. Hawkes
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History Extension Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Historiography
KEYWORDS: Historiography
PUBLISHER: Pleasant Valley High School, USA
REVIEW DATE: 30/7/03 [907] SCIS 1093867
History (PBS history)
The Public Broadcasting Service, of the USA provides a wealth of supplementary information related to content, research, background and production of
their programs. Under major headings including: Ancient world; Biographies; United States; War
and espionage; and World, links to specific topics are provided. These sites display interactive timelines; primary sources of
past and present; quotes and interviews related to events; and brief facts about historians consulted on the productions. Interviews with producers
demonstrate why and how they pursued and applied their interests in history. The unique variety and depth of information available will do much to
encourage students’ active involvement in appreciating history. J. Hawkes
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History Extension Stage 6; History Stages 4-5; Modern History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: History
KEYWORDS: Ancient world; biography; espionage; history; United States; war
PUBLISHER: Public Broadcasting Service, USA
REVIEW DATE: 13/8/03 [900] SCIS 1093848
History and historiography
Access to unique primary sources and what appear to be individual historian’s ideas about a variety of topics are offered through this web
directory, compiled in the early 1990s. Samples are provided of research articles, such as Aragonese historiography; opinion papers,
like Ballots and bullets; compilations, including a Eurocentric timeline; ideas exchanges, such as
Environmentalism, racism; and useful lists, like Feudal terms. While each separate entry must be
scrolled through, with no sub links available, this listing is useful to demonstrate historians’ sharing of ideas, as with History at your
fingertips through a listserve. It could easily serve to stimulate further research from more dynamic sites, especially for students choosing a
topic for the HSC History Extension research project. J. Hawkes
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History Extension Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Historiography; History
KEYWORDS: Historiography; history
PUBLISHER: University of Washington, USA
REVIEW DATE: 30/8/03 [900] SCIS 1093844
History toolkit
Although part of a larger site documenting an innovative local history project, this online toolkit is sure to convince students of the value and
interest of carrying out historical research. Excellent explanations of historical investigation techniques including: Stages of a historical
research project; Using primary sources; Step by step guide to oral history; and How to make a
timeline, are provided. Students are urged to evaluate both the process and the information gained from each method. Hints and questions on how
to use these approaches are clearly set out, practical, and should be encouraging and invaluable for historians beginning major projects, including the
project required for the History Extension: Stage 6 syllabus. J. Hawkes
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History Extension Stage 6; History Stages 4-5
SCIS SUBJECTS: Historiography; History
KEYWORDS: Historical research; oral history; timeline
PUBLISHER: Film Study Center, Harvard University, USA
REVIEW DATE: 30/8/03 [907] SCIS 1093854
Inside Romans
Visually exciting, solidly resourced, and loaded with information for students, this great site emphasises the drama of ancient Rome. There are
well-designed sections on Rome and its empire, Roman Britain, religion and early Christianity, social
life, Gladiators and Pompeii. For senior students, the site has many scholarly articles related to syllabus
requirements, such as the discovery and preservation of Pompeii. The image galleries will appeal to all students. Both juniors and seniors will enjoy the
site’s interactive features, for example the Battlefield academy: Romans vs ancient Britons, a game in which the student organises
a hill fort defence against a Roman attack. The site is an excellent resource for the study of ancient Rome in the History 7–10 syllabus and the
Ancient History Stage 6 syllabus. R. Darlington
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Civilisation, Roman; Rome – History – 30 B.C.-476 A.D., Empire; Rome – Social
life and customs – 30 B.C.-476 A.D., Empire
PUBLISHER: BBC Education, UK
REVIEW DATE: 30/04/07 [937] SCIS 1300570
Issues
and causes
Offering a range of viewpoints through an alphabetical listing by topics, these interpretations of history are sure to move some readers out of their
comfort zone. Many of the accounts include sceptical questioning, hints of conspiracy, personal opinion essays, and calls for reevaluations of
traditional interpretations of particular events. They are useful as examples to promote critical evaluation of a source and of the facts that are
selected to represent history. Topics range from ancient to modern times. As an alternative to the usual resources encountered in the case studies and
individual project choices for HSC History Extension: Stage 6 syllabus, this is sure to maintain the interest of teachers. The
authority of information and curriculum relevance would need to be checked for individual listings. J. Hawkes
USER LEVEL: Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History Extension Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Historiography; World history
KEYWORDS: Historiography
PUBLISHER: Yahoo Inc., USA
REVIEW DATE: 30/8/03 [909] SCIS 1093859
Livius articles on ancient history
With articles ranging from Achaemenid Royal Inscriptions to Zoroastrianism, this excellent website has an enormous amount to offer teachers and students
of ancient history. The site’s focus is on ancient sources from Anatolia, Carthage, Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia, Persia, Rome and Germania Inferior
(the province of the Roman Empire along the Lower Rhine). Topics are presented in simple lists of clickable links. These expand to extensive written
pieces with terrific photographs and a large number of research choices. This is an exciting resource for the History 7–10 Topic: Societies and
civilisations of the past and for most Egyptian, Near Eastern, Greek and Roman topics in Ancient History Stage 6. R. Darlington
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: History – Ancient
PUBLISHER: J. Lendering, Netherlands
REVIEW DATE: 15/07/08 [930] SCIS 1365069
Mark Millmore’s ancient Egypt (Egypt pyramids
pharaohs hieroglyphs)
Colourful, well illustrated and easy to navigate, this site provides readable, clear information. Stories of the great Kings and queens
have timelines which identify key rulers and accomplishments of their societies. Information on Hatshepsut, Akhenaten and Ramesse II support options for
the HSC topic Personalities in their times. Pyramids and temples is well illustrated and includes computer generated
reconstructions and additional comments, particularly on the artistry of the culture. The diagrams and maps are useful. Photographs of the temples
include many rooms and views from numerous angles. A basic description and examples of Hieroglyphs as used in writing and mathematics
are provided. E. Kidd
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History Stages 4-5
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – Historic buildings, sites, etc.; Egypt – History; Egypt – Kings, queens and rulers;
Hieroglyphics
KEYWORDS: Ancient Egypt; hieroglyphs; pyramids
AUTHOR: Mark Millmore, Great Britain
REVIEW DATE: 28/3/03 SCIS 1057949
Highlights of the collections by regions
(Oriental Institute Museum)
Highlights from the collections of this museum includes artefacts from Assyria, Mesopotamia, and
Syria that would be useful for studies of Near East societies. The collection of Egyptian artefacts illustrates aspects of ancient
Egyptian life, including religion and funerary practices. The virtual museum gives students an insight into the detail and organisation
involved in displaying objects from an archaeological find. This could promote an appreciation of archaeology for Preliminary course topic
Investigating the past: history, archaeology and science of the Ancient history: Stage 6 syllabus. Clear images accompany the detailed
description of each object. E. Kidd
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History Stages 4-5; Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt - Antiquities
KEYWORDS: Archaeology; Book of the Dead; mummy
PUBLISHER: Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, USA
REVIEW DATE: 28/3/03 SCIS 1057942
News in science:
ancient worlds
Articles explaining the uses of science in archaeology feature on this easily navigated site. An interesting one page piece on Otzi, the five thousand
year old corpse found in the Italian Alps in 1991, examines the archaeological evidence of his life and death. Links to related stories offer further
reading, making the site a useful introduction for the case study option in the Ancient History Stage 6 syllabus, Preserved human remains. This
site has clearly presented information, and provides a rationale for linking such scientific discoveries as DNA with archaeological evidence. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Archaeology; History - Ancient; Otzi (Ice mummy)
PUBLISHER: ABC Science Online, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 02/06/04 [930.1] SCIS 1156171
Ten commandments of good
historical writing: with apologies to the author of the original ten / Theron F.Schlabach
A hint of humour is used in the title of this web site to interest students in these valuable suggestions for writing up historical research. The concise
listing gives advice for: maintaining writing clarity; providing a context of people, places and events to support the topic; using a structure of thesis
and subtheses to convey main and related ideas; avoiding plagarism; and communicating in a clear and interesting manner. All of this is essential to
apply, not only to the Project in the History Extension: Stage 6 syllabus, but also to effective reading and writing of historical accounts for
the Ancient History: Stage 6 syllabus and the Modern History: Stage 6 syllabus. J. Hawkes
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History Extension Stage 6; Modern History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Essay; History; Writing (Authorship)
KEYWORDS: Historical research; Schlabach
PUBLISHER: Gerald W. Schlabach, USA
REVIEW DATE: 3/7/03 [907] SCIS 1093861
The Parthenon
The site explains the technical aspects of making a Greek film called The Parthenon. Using 3D scanners, the site virtually reunites the ruined
shell of the Parthenon with its treasures and it opens with some detailed articles on virtual reality imaging. Users should initially scroll to the
bottom and investigate About. Using Virtual Reality Modeling Language, the site makes it possible to view plaster casts of many of the
known Parthenon sculptures. The site has terrific images throughout. Sculptures and Images are exciting resources for
the study of ancient Greece in the History 7–10 Topic: Societies and civilisations of the past, and the Ancient History Option:
Athenian society in the time of Pericles. R. Darlington
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Architecture, Greek; Greece – Antiquities; Parthenon (Athens, Greece); Temples
PUBLISHER: University of Southern California, USA
REVIEW DATE: 25/11/08 [726] SCIS 1377431
The plateau - official website of Dr Zahi
Howass
Aspects of the Ancient history: Stage 6 syllabus addressed here are the Preliminary topic Investigating the past: history,
archaeology and science; and the HSC Ancient societies option, Egypt- society in the Old Kingdom Egypt, Dynasties III-VI.
With articles grouped under Valley of the mummies and Sphinx & pyramids, highly descriptive personal accounts of
the processes and excitement of the many archaeological discoveries are revealed. Giza kings uses diagrams and photographs to bring to
life information for the HSC topic Historical periods. Recent discoveries gives updates of current excavations. This site will
help develop student understanding of archaeological issues, preservation techniques, and problems associated with conservation.
J. Kempthorne, E. Kidd
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – Historic buildings, sites, etc.; Egypt – History; Excavations (Archaeology); Excavations
KEYWORDS: Pyramids; Sphinx; Zahi Hawass
PUBLISHER: Andrew Bayuk, USA
REVIEW DATE: 28/3/03 SCIS 1057964
The pyramids of
Giza
Providing a wealth of fine material on ancient Egyptian studies, the resource has sections on daily life, art, military, architecture, hieroglyphs,
religion, government, maps, history and archaeology. There are online exhibits, pages of information, photographs and diagrams. Information is laid out
under multiple headings, and research for specific topics will probably require cross checking throughout the site. Layout does not aid this research
especially well. The site is a good resource for the History 7–10 Topic: Societies and civilisations of the past, and parts of the
resource offer detailed material to support the study of Egypt in Ancient History.R. Darlington
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – Civilisation; Egypt – History – To 332 B.C.; Egypt – Social life
and customs – To 332 B.C.; Pyramids
PUBLISHER: Minnesota State University, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/09/07 [932] SCIS 1326209
Theban Mapping Project
The combination of archaeological data, interactive study tools, and visually appealing images, makes this outstanding site an excellent resource for the
study of ancient Egypt. Containing a plethora of information on the Atlas of the Valley of the Kings and the Atlas of the Theban
Necropolis, the atlases can be slow to download but are impressive once completed. Clear aerial photographs enable students to explore the
entire area, as well as individual temples, tombs, and palaces. Models of tombs, including a 3D recreation, are explored through images, tours, and the
written word. Information on various Pharaohs is provided, along with articles and a comprehensive database on the Valley of the Kings.
Stage 6 Ancient History students will find the site most rewarding. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Archaeological expeditions; Egypt - Antiquities; Egypt - History; Theban Mapping Project; Tombs; Valley of the Kings
(Egypt)
PUBLISHER: Theban Mapping Project, Egypt
REVIEW DATE: 02/06/04 [932] SCIS 1120727
Timeline: some historical events,
chosen at random
Listing events dating from 30 000 BC to 1990, this Eurocentric timeline includes both trivial and traditionally significant incidents. It provides a
broad view of history with many aspects mentioned, such as: health, with the introduction of tobacco to Spain; politics, on the fall of Saigon;
geography, focussing on the eruption of Mount St. Helens; and the everyday, with the patent of the thimble. While there is a North American perspective,
this does not detract from the potential for this site to be an interesting stimulus to encourage further research into the stories behind the dates, or
to devise an alternative timeline from perhaps a wider world perspective. J. Hawkes
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History Extension Stage 6; History Stages 4-5; Modern History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Chronology, Historical; World history
KEYWORDS: Historical timeline
PUBLISHER: University of Washington, USA
REVIEW DATE: 30/8/03 [909] SCIS 1093840
Tour Egypt feature: Deir
el-Medina
An interesting and well written essay on Deir el-Medina , plus Kahun and Giza, forms the content of this site. It
carefully examines the community dedicated to the building of the tombs, including those in the Valley of the Kings and Valley
of the Queens. The beginning and end of Deir el-Medina is reviewed, the towns and workers discussed, and the roles of other people such as the
scribes are outlined. This would be a valuable site for students using Deir el-Medina for the Focus study: Ancient societies in
the Ancient History Stage 6 syllabus. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Dayr al-Madinah site (Egypt); Egypt - Antiquities
PUBLISHER: Tour Egypt, USA
REVIEW DATE: 02/06/04 [932] SCIS 1156214
Tutankhamun
Including a virtual tour of Tutankhamun’s tomb, this site has much of interest for students on the pharaoh’s life and times, his death and
funeral, tomb treasures and the myth of the mummy’s curse. Each section has links to more detailed articles, including a fascinating piece on a CT
scan which provides evidence on the murder theory. There are many excellent images of the mummy and artefacts, with site photographs and stills of
dramatic reconstructions. The site is visually appealing and well laid out; it is an outstanding resource to fire the imagination of students in History
7–10. The articles are worthwhile resources for the study of New Kingdom Egypt in Ancient History Stage 6.R. Darlington
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – Antiquities; Egypt – History – To 332 B.C.; Tutankhamun, King of
Egypt
PUBLISHER: Canadian Museum of Civilization, Canada
REVIEW DATE: 10/09/07 [932]
SCIS 1326219
Tutankhamun: anatomy of an
excavation
The site is a fascinating documentation of the complete records of Howard Carter’s excavation of Tutankhamen’s tomb. An easy to use database
is laid out with scholarly efficiency, and includes copies of Carter’s handwritten diaries and typed versions of the notes. The database may be
searched by object number or description. Maps, plans and drawings, Harry Burton’s photographs of the site during excavation, scenes outside the
tomb, and colour photographs of objects from the tomb complement the written text. The photographs are contained within the database or they can be
searched autonomously. Comparisons are given between Carter’s and A. C. Mace’s diaries and eyewitness accounts of opening the burial chamber.
The site will be very useful for the study of Tutankhamen in Ancient History Stage 6, and teachers will find interesting primary source material for the
study of ancient Egypt in History 7–10. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Ancient history; Egypt – Antiquities; Egypt – History – To 332 B.C.; Egypt –
Kings, queens and rulers; Excavations (Archaeology); Tombs; Tutankhamen – King of Egypt
PUBLISHER: Griffith Institute, UK
REVIEW DATE: 24/04/09 [932] SCIS 1403006
Virtual-Egypt: the Egyptian people’s
papyrus
A plethora of material, both educational and commercial, can be accessed from this site. Information has a tabloid newspaper style and layout. The
Photo tours provide solid material for Ancient History archaeological site studies. Flash movies provide accessible insights into such
topics as the death of Tutankhamun. Senior students of the Egyptian components of the syllabus, including the Amarna period, will find
this site to be a worthwhile source. For younger students, Intro to has sections which are simple overviews of topics. The site has games,
virtual tours, and entertaining activities including making cartouches and hieroglyphic translators. Students completing the History 7–10 Topic:
Societies and civilisations of the past will find this site of interest. B. Hull
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage 6; History 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Egypt – Antiquities; Egypt – History – To 332 B.C.; Egypt – Social life
and customs – To 332 B.C.
PUBLISHER: www.Virtual-Egypt.com, USA
REVIEW DATE: 18/12/06 [932]
SCIS 1290935
World history
archives
The working class perspective, which permeates the articles available throughout this site, provides useful examples to promote the analysis of different
perspectives and interpretations of history that is central to the HSC History Extension: Stage 6 syllabus. Geographical locations of countries
provide major headings to access diverse articles related to political, social, cultural and economic movements in individual countries. Many listings
have brief annotations. Topics of inclusions are not always politically significant, but are varied, brief and worth browsing for a particular view of
the world, and could stimulate an interest for further research from other sites. World historiography provides some useful comment on
various approaches to history. J. Hawkes
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History Extension Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Historiography; World history
KEYWORDS: Historiography
PUBLISHER: Hartford Web Publishing, USA
REVIEW DATE: 30/8/03 [909] SCIS 1093858
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