Historical Treasures: Exploring Ancient Civilizations Through Travel
Because there’s nothing like walking through history to bring ancient lessons to life.
Sure, ancient civilizations fill pages of history books—but what if your students could walk those pages? From the temples of ancient Greece to the ruins of the Roman Forum, educational travel gives students the chance to step directly into the past, transforming abstract history into real, tactile experiences.
Here’s how visiting the world’s most ancient sites can supercharge your lessons—and which destinations offer the richest rewards.
Why ancient history is better on location
There’s something powerful about seeing the scale of the Colosseum or standing where philosophers once debated in the Athenian Agora. Travel makes history:
Personal (students see themselves in the story)
Memorable (it’s hard to forget that feeling of awe)
Interdisciplinary (architecture, art, politics, philosophy—all in one place)
Must-visit ancient sites (and how they tie into your curriculum):
🏛️ Athens, Greece – The Cradle of Democracy
Great for: World History, Government, Philosophy, Literature
Highlights: Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora
Curriculum connection: Dive into the roots of Western democracy, explore mythology and epics like The Odyssey, and discuss ancient philosophy where it was born.
🏺 Rome, Italy – Empire, Engineering, and Everyday Life
Great for: Latin, World History, Architecture
Highlights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon
Curriculum connection: Explore the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, discuss imperialism and innovation, and see how ancient infrastructure still influences modern cities.
🔥 Pompeii, Italy – A City Frozen in Time
Great for: Archaeology, Geology, Art History
Highlights: Preserved homes, frescoes, forums
Curriculum connection: Study volcanic activity, Roman daily life, and how archaeological discovery teaches us about the past.
Tips for integrating ancient travel into your teaching
Pre-trip prep: Assign students roles—historians, architects, philosophers—who will “report” on what they learn.
On-site activities: Try scavenger hunts, journaling from a historical figure’s perspective, or student-led site presentations.
Post-trip projects: Create museum exhibits, timeline walls, or student podcasts exploring what they learned on-site.
