Modern historians have debated the claim that Claudius' freedmen exerted undue influence over the emperor. Their assertions are that Claudius was always in control of their administrative, financial and legal responsibilities. This source-based homework task is designed to assist student understanding of the NSW Ancient History syllabus Higher School certificate course Part IV: Historical Periods Option O: The Julio-Claudians and the Roman Empire AD 14-69 An interesting topic to discuss the role of the public service and their responsibilities to the government of the time.

Taras (Tarentum) is touted as the Spartan states only attempt at a colony. Evidence from Crete shows that this may not be true. However, Taras was certainly the most successful Spartan colony, with a mutually beneficial relationship between colony and mother country. This source-based homework task is designed for students studying the NSW Ancient History syllabus: Higher School Certificate course Part II: Ancient Societies Option I: Spartan Society to the Battle of Leuctra 371BCE

Sparta was unique in the ancient (and modern) world by having two kings. More than just the head of state, these kings performed significant religious, legal, diplomatic and military roles in Spartan society. This source-based homework task utilises primary and secondary materials. It is designed for students studying for the NSW Ancient History Higher School Certificate credential. The activity fits into: Higher School Certificate course Part II: Ancient Societies Option I: Spartan Society to the Battle of Leuctra 371 BCE

The early Achaemenid Persian monarch, Cyrus II established a city on the tableland north of the modern city of Shiraz in order to give himself a base from which to govern the Persian tribes in the area of Parsa (modern Fars). Both Cyrus and his immediate successor, Darius I set about building a fortress, palace and numerous other buildings associated with a small city. Such a settlement must have appeared foreign to the rural and nomadic Persians but Pasargardae was an important military and administrative base. This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW Ancient History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. Higher School Certificate course Historical Periods Option D: Persia - Cyrus II to the death of Darius III Historical Societies Option D: Persia in the time of Darius II and Xerxes

We don't associate a land-based power like Persia with sea conquest. Yet, Persia had a very strong navy that was constructed by and manned by subject peoples including Ionian Greeks, Egyptians and Cypriots, all of whom had a history of successful shipping industries. Cambyses' conquest of Egypt and the Greek Wars fought by Darius I and Xerxes would have been impossible without a navy. This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW Ancient History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. Higher School Certificate course Historical Periods Option D: Persia - Cyrus II to the death of Darius III Historical Societies Option D: Persia in the time of Darius II and Xerxes

There were many significant events during the reign of Artaxerxes including wars, revolts, a weakening of the cavalry as a significant military force, diplomatic events including involvement in the affairs of the Greek states and promotion of various religions including Zoroastrianism and Mithraism. This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW Ancient History Syllabus. Higher School certificate course Historical Periods Option D: Persia - Cyrus II to the death of Darius III

With the Persian conquest of western Asia Minor, specifically the Kingdom of Lydia, the Persians were first exposed to coinage. The use of coinage in trade and government payment of conscripts and mercenaries increased over the period of the Achaemenids, particularly in the western half of the empire. This source-based homework task presents students with a range of visual and written sources in order to explain how Persian coinage informs us of Achaemenid society. The task is designed for students of the NSW Ancient History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum Higher School Certificate Course Historical Periods Option D: Persia - Cyrus II to the death of Darius III It can also be used in: Historical Societies Option D: Persia in the time of Darius II and Xerxes

The South Vietnam Government believed that the best way of protecting civilians and identifying the Viet Cong was to separate the two by bringing civilians into protected of strategic hamlets which would leave the Viet Cong easily identifiable by being outside. But things didn't work out quite as planned. In fact, the Strategic Hamlets Program was a dismal failure. Why? The whole issue informs us of attitudes of the abuses of government, the frustration of civilians and the determination of the Viet Cong . This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW Modern History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. Higher School Certificate course Peace and Conflict Option A: Conflict in Indochina 1954-1979

The origins of Zoroastrianism are associated with the early Achaemenid Persian Empire. But what is less well known is that Zoroastrianism changed considerably over the Achaemenid period as it was adopted by the royal family and the Persian elite. It was a fluid and adaptive belief system. But it certainly wasn't the only religious belief in Persia. This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW ancient History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. Higher School Certificate course Historical Periods Option D: Persia - Cyrus II to the death of Darius III Historical Societies Option D: Persia in the time of Darius II and Xerxes

Heard about the Wicker Man? Was that even true? There is considerable documentary (written) evidence, archaeological evidence and forensic evidence provided by human remains to confirm that the Celts practiced human sacrifice and possibly even sacrifice in wicker baskets. There were protocols around the selection of victims and where the sacrifice was to take place. This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW Ancient History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. Preliminary HSC Course Part II - Studies of Ancient Societies, Sites and Sources 12. The Celts in Europe

When the Persians under Cyrus II conquered Elam they selected the city of Susa as the major centre from which the area could be governed. Cyrus' successor, Darius I ordered the construction of a magnificent palace complex on a mound overlooking the city. Expert tradesmen from across the empire were employed to construct the palace using the best materials from the time. their efforts resulted in a large and stunningly beautiful palatial complex. This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW Ancient History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. Higher School Certificate course Historical Periods Option D: Persia - Cyrus II to the death of Darius III It can also be used in: Historical Societies Option D: Persia in the time of Darius II and Xerxes

Far from being a primitive military force who conquered by sheer force of numbers and brute force, the Achaemenid Persian army had specialised units which were professionally trained and fully kitted. A case in point is the cavalry which consisted of chariots, camels and horses, men were recruited from particular parts of the empire where they had extensive experiences with camels or horses. Achaemenid Persian military leaders employed a range of tactics that gave their cavalry the advantage in battle. This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW Ancient History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. Higher School Certificate course Historical Periods Option D: Persia - Cyrus II to the death of Darius III It can also be used as part of: Historical Societies Option D: Persia in the time of Darius II and Xerxes

Classical (Greek) historians speak of the ineptitude and incompetence of Darius III and refer to him being fated to lose his empire to the rising star, Alexander. Modern historians argue that Darius III was a leader with a successful military background who was simply outmanoeuvred by an even more capable warlord. What is the truth? This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW Ancient History Syllabus. Higher School Certificate course Option D: Persia - Cyrus II to the death of Darius III

Sequencing activities based on John Marsden's novel, Tomorrow When the War Began.

Write of Passage is a 2010 newspaper article from the Sydney Morning Herald that involves an interview with Tomorrow When the War Began's author, John Marsden. He gives details of how he wrote the novel and his feelings at the release of the film version of the novel. Students examine the author's motives and intentions in writing the book.

Sequencing activity for the topic The Mongol Expansion. Students use information technology to find the year of key events and then sequence the events in chronological order.

2010 newspaper article from the Sydney Morning Herald involving an interview with author John Marsden at the time of the release of the film version of the novel. Good insights into how he wrote the book and the process of acceptance by a publisher.

Fiona Maxwell represents innocence, naiveity and romance. When she faces war and taking action for what she believes is right the results are interesting. This activity provides students with quotes from the novel relating to her character, selecting personality characteristics that best reflects Fi and recounting examples of her actions that reflect her innocence, naiveity and romantic inclinations.

Sequencing activity for key events in Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel, Persepolis.

Sequencing activity for key events in the Holocaust.