About 35,000  years ago, most prehistoric sites were discovered in Spain and southwestern France. Scholars divided early humans into several groups based on several characteristics. The most influential are the Aurignacians and Magdalenian.

Cave Art 

 All art produced in preliterate, prehistorical cultures beginning somewhere in very late geological history, and generally continuing until that culture either develops writing or other methods of record-keeping, or makes significant contact with another culture that has, and that makes some record of major historical events. At this point ancient art begins, for the older literate cultures.

Prehistoric Art 

Art and architecture of the ancient world were incredibly influential and much of what can be learned from the study of ancient art can still be found in modern art. In classical studies, the focus is on the development of art in the classical world.

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- Philology
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Ancient History in Greece
- Philosophy
- Reception Studies
- Ancient History in Rome 
- Ancient Roman Religion

Areas of Study within Classics

Classics

Philology is the study of language preserved in written sources. Within Classics, classical languages are studied from both formal written works as well as informal sources like clay pot shards and graffiti on buildings. These informal writings help scholars to understand the slang and nuance of the language.


Philology

Art History

Beginning in 6th Century BCE, ancient Greek philosophers attempted to make sense of their world using reason. These early philosophers discussed everything from astronomy to politics to ontology and aesthetics. 

Ancient Greek Philosophy

Study of how classical antiquity, particularly Ancient Greek and Roman literature, have been recieved from the ancient past to modern times. 

Classical Reception Studies

Studies the history of humanity through observing, and analyzing material culture (i.e. artifacts)

Archaeology

Ancient Roman philosophy was heavily influenced by ancient Greek philosophy. There were two main schools of thought in ancient Roman philosophy:

- Epicureanism (named for its founder, Epicurus) taught that pleasure was the highest level of good and was the way to attain freedom from physical pain and fear.

- Stoicism (founded by Zeon) taught was best lived through harmony with reason, and was based on knowledge, with total indifference to pleasure and pain. 

Ancient Roman Philosophy

The history of Ancient Rome consists of three basic eras:
- The Founding and the Period of Kings, which lasted from circa 625 BC-510 BC.
- The Republican Era, which lasted from 510 BC-31 BC.
- And finally the Imperial Era, which lasted from 31 BC-AD 476.

Ancient Roman History

Ancient Roman religious practices mostly mimicked those of Ancient Greece. The Romans copied the Greek pantheon of gods but renamed them. For example, Zeus became Jupiter, Hera became Juno, Poseidon became Neptune, Aphrodite became Venus, and Athena became Diana. Later on, the Romans also began to incorporate the worship of various "eastern" deities, such as the Egyptian goddess Isis, as well as the Persian god Mithras. 

Ultimately, Christianity was adopted as the official religion of Rome, supplanting all other religious practices. 

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