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Ancient Civilisations

The history of the world's early civilisations

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During a workshop delving into the Shang dynasty of ancient China, students might examine bronze artifacts, take a look at the Shang writing system, and learn about the dynasty's impressive technological advancements in fields like astronomy and agriculture.

Workshops about Maya of Mesoamerica could transport students back in time, allowing them to marvel at the towering pyramids of Chichen Itza, or their sophisticated calendar and cosmological beliefs, and the empire's impressive feats of engineering and urban planning.

The classical Greek world might have students reenacting the dialogues of Socrates, analyzing the exquisite artworks and architecture that defined the Greek period, and debating the democratic principles that came into being for the Athenians.

Alternatively, explore the achievements of the Islamic Golden Age with its technological innovations, scientific and scholarly advancements, uncover the rich history and cultural traditions of the Benin Empire in West Africa, or bring into focus the Ancient Egyptians.

Below are school workshops focused on exploring the history and culture of early civilizations around the world. Teach your class about the achievements of early civilizations and help children to understand different aspects of life during the relevant period of time - how the people lived, what they ate, how the structured their societies. They will also learn how these early civilisations made progress in areas like mathematics, medicine, trade and culture.

From African dance workshops to support Black History month, to Virtual Reality adventures where your class can visit Maya sites like Chichen-Itza. The trips and school workshops below specialise in Ancient Civilisation experiences for school groups. Click through for more information or use the short purple enquiry form if you need any help with more ideas for your group.

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Ancient Civilisations school trips and workshops

Please use the search filters above to view our full range of Ancient Civilisations school trips relevant to you.

Mayans & Aztecs!

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Mayans & Aztecs!

At The Past Presents...WE GO BIG! Historical Workshops with the biggest, most well-thought out resources, sessions & experiences available in the UK. You'll wonder why you ever took trips out when you see the value we bring into your classroom!


Early Islamic Civilisation

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Early Islamic Civilisation

Embark on a drama-filled journey to ancient Mesopotamia, where some of the world's earliest civilisations began. Together with a One Day facilitator, use drama to discover what lies inside the city walls of this historic metropolis.

Ancient Maya

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Ancient Maya

Ever heard of the Ancient Maya? They're a fascinating lot, and so are the magnificent gods that reigned over them! One Day Creative uses drama, imagination and storytelling to help your pupils explore life as part of this ancient civilisation.

Kingdom of Benin

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Kingdom of Benin

From 900 to 1897AD, Benin in West Africa prospered. In this interactive school workshop your KS2 pupils will delve deep into this unique kingdom, using drama to explore the Edo people's rituals and way of life.

Shang Dynasty

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Shang Dynasty

Get ready for a drama-filled journey to the banks of the Yellow River, where the powerful Shang Dynasty used to dwell. With a One Day facilitator, your pupils will discover this impressive civilisation, its warriors, customs and religious beliefs.


The Maya VR Workshop

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The Maya VR Workshop

Take your class to the ancient city of Chichen-Itza with the UK's no.1 VR workshop company! Our VR workshops immerse pupils in another location, without actually leaving the classroom! Bring the outside world into your classroom with PrimeVR!

China VR Workshop

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China VR Workshop

Take your class on a guided tour across China with PrimeVR! Your pupils will visit famous sites including the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. Bring the school trip to you!

Chocolate Collective

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Chocolate Collective

Chocolate Collective facilitate chocolate workshops that are a fantastic introduction into the world of chocolate. Our tailored, interactive workshops inspire pupils and teach them new skills either as an after-school activity or as part of a Nation

Ancient Sumer

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Ancient Sumer

A fun and creative workshop exploring The Ancient Sumer through drama!


Maya Workshops

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Maya Workshops

During this Drama Hut workshop we meet 'Sally Spade', a history and archeologist enthusiast, who has been asked to write an article about The Maya Civilisation. Help her to uncover who they were, how they lived and explore what their beliefs were.

Early Islamic Civilisations

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Early Islamic Civilisations

An exciting drama day, exploring Early Islamic Civilisations. Children will learn about the ancient city of Baghdad, the House of Wisdom and the key buildings, people and customs of the time through creativity that supports historical enquiry.

Mayan Civilisations

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Mayan Civilisations

An exciting drama day, exploring the Mayan Civilisations. Children will learn about Mayan inventions, Mayan games, the Mayan currency and how they bought and sold, the Mayan diet and how this was dictated by farm land and conditions.

special offerCosford Exhibition-Cold War

location icon West Midlands

Cosford Exhibition-Cold War

The Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 marked the beginning of the Cold War. The Cold War was given its name after World War II because of the relationship that developed primarily between the USSR and USA. It dominated international affairs


special offerLondon & Ipswich-Secret War to Cold War

location icon East of England

London & Ipswich-Secret War to Cold War

Battlefield & History Tours specialises in exactly that. London and Ipswich are filled with history and visits that bring studies to life. A time of spies, propaganda, espionage, mistrust and bluff.

Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre

location icon South West

Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre

Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre is a not-for-profit centre providing affordable, quality day and residential trips for schools based in the open countryside. Enjoy exclusive single occupancy tailored to your needs. We can't wait to meet you

Ancient Greece

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Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece – what an empire! Birthplace to some of the greatest philosophers, doctors, writers and athletes the world has ever seen. One Day's drama workshop explores the myths, legends and significant figures of Ancient Greece.

Cadbury World

location icon West Midlands

Cadbury World

With over 30 years' experience and more than 2,000 school groups attending each year, Cadbury World offers a unique experience that gives fascinating insight into the rich heritage of the nation's favourite chocolate brand.


History VR Day

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History VR Day

Bring all of your KS2 history topics to life with PrimeVR! We can cover the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Vikings, Ancient Maya, World Wars and the Stone Age. Travel back in time and bring the school trip to you!

Virtual Reality Day

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Virtual Reality Day

Bring all of your topics to life with the UK's no.1 VR workshop company! Using VR headsets, we can deliver up to six workshops in a day all tailored to each year group's current topic. Bring the outside world into your classroom with PrimeVR!

Themed Storytelling

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Themed Storytelling

In the year that the IoE found reading for pleasure to have "a powerful influence on children’s cognitive development," our European Lifelong Learning study saw learners score 26% better in a standardised test. Bring these results to your school!

Life in Ancient Greece Day

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Life in Ancient Greece Day

Set your children in Ancient Greece during the Battle of Marathon. As they work in the marketplace – making pottery, mosaics and more – the battle rages nearby. What news will Pheidippides bring?


Aztec, Inca & Mayan Workshop & Wow Day

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Aztec, Inca & Mayan Workshop & Wow Day

Dan Tastic Education brings history to life with incredible Aztec, Inca & Mayan Workshop & Wow Days! Your pupils will be inspired & engaged by an array of props, videos & student interaction with one of our fun & entertaining Workshop Facilitators

History Workshops

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History Workshops

The Drama Hut specialise in bringing on-site and online workshops directly to your school, covering a wide range of curricular topics. Through drama, improvisation and role play let us create a unique learning experience for your school!

The Greeks VR Workshop

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The Greeks VR Workshop

Learn all about the Ancient Greeks with a PrimeVR workshop. Fly to Athens to see the famous Acropolis and Parthenon and even travel back in time to learn all about Greek mythology and life in the Aegean Sea. Enquire now with PrimeVR!

Dan Tastic History

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Dan Tastic History

Dan Tastic Education brings History to life with incredible Wow Days! Your pupils will be inspired & engaged by an array of artefacts, videos & student interaction with one of our fun & entertaining Dan Tastic Workshop Facilitators!


Life in Ancient Egypt Day

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Life in Ancient Egypt Day

The Pharaoh wants to build a new city -- and he needs your children to help! Explore Egyptian culture and achievements while taking part in hands-on activities such as mummification and tomb painting.

Discover Ancient Greece in the Open-Air!

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Discover Ancient Greece in the Open-Air!

Would you like your students to explore Ancient Greece in a completely new way? Then let's take it outside and learn about Ancient Greece through one of their most important and influential cultures... theatre!

Olympic Games 2024

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Olympic Games 2024

Book your school's Summer celebration for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris! Take your pick from a drama-filled journey to this year's host country, France, or discover the History of the Olympics. around the History of the Olympics, or

Ancient Greece!

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Ancient Greece!

At The Past Presents...WE GO BIG! Historical Workshops with the biggest, most well-thought out resources, sessions & experiences available in the UK. You'll wonder why you ever took trips out when you see the value we bring into your classroom!


Indus Valley

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Indus Valley

A fun and participatory day of drama exploring the Indus Valley! Children will learn about the history of the Indus Valley, exploring their civilisation and how this relates to their lives today.

The Ancient Greeks

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The Ancient Greeks

An action-packed day of drama focusing on the Ancient Greeks. Children will learn about Greek myths, Greek Gods and the lives of the ancient Greek people exploring the different City States, the Olympics and more!

The Shang Dynasty

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The Shang Dynasty

Bring the Shang Dynasty to life for your pupils through an engaging and participatory drama workshop where pupils explore the rich history of the time through role play, performance and creativity.

Ancient Egyptians

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Ancient Egyptians

A fun and participatory day of drama exploring Ancient Egyptians! Children will learn about the history of the Egyptians, exploring their civilisation and how this relates to their lives today.


Custom VR Adventures: Tailored Virtual Reality Experiences

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Custom VR Adventures: Tailored Virtual Reality Experiences

Teachers will have the unique opportunity to dictate the themes and videos, tailoring the VR experiences to their students' interests and curriculum needs.

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