Classical Archaeology
Offered as a major (B.A.) and a minor
As a Classical Archaeology major or minor, you’ll observe and analyze regions of the Mediterranean and Europe to reconstruct the ancient ways of life for the Greeks, Romans, and other prominent groups to understand their social, political, and economic systems through the artifacts they left behind. This structured introduction to the field allows you to dig deeper (mentally and literally) and unearth the stories of Villanovans, Etruscans, Romans, Byzantines ranging from Germanic to Medieval times.
This area of study will prepare you for graduate studies and careers in a range of roles from archeologist and museum curator to cultural heritage manager and archivist. Saint Anselm College’s liberal arts foundation will help you gain a richer understanding of the human experience across cultures and time, guaranteeing success in any future endeavor.
Classical Archaeology majors and minors focus on studying art, religion, daily life, and politics in prominent ancient civilizations. Throughout your coursework, you’ll explore the role of classical archaeology to better understand the present. You will study a variety of topics, including:
- An archaeological approach to classical antiquity
- Important sites and excavations around the world
- Scientific and technological aspects of archaeology
The development of classical art and architecture in religion, literature, and public affairs
My favorite part about [my major] research would have to be physically going, standing, and working in structures made by people from thousands of years ago, and being able to put together what they were doing.

Featured Course
Ancient Law
In this course, you will study the legal systems of several ancient cultures, including those of Greece and Rome. You will observe their relevance and influence on modern legal institutions and engage in discussion about the history of lawyers, the function of legislation, and the impact of law in society.
Join the Classics Society
The Classics Society is open to anyone who expresses an interest in Greek or Roman culture. The society's mission is to offer its members an opportunity to learn more about Classical civilizations and traditions through lectures, films, colloquia, museum trips and social events. Some events include a banquet featuring authentic Roman cuisine, entertainment, and a campus wide intramural quiz bowl competition.

Additional Classical Archaeology Major and Minor Information
First Semester
- HU 103 – Conversatio I
- EN 105 – First Year Writing / Core Course
- Greek / Latin
- CL 275 – Introduction to Archaeology
Second Semester
- HU 104 – Conversatio II
- EN 105 – First Year Writing / Core Course
- Greek / Latin
- Classics Elective
See the four-year course sequence in the college catalogue.
- Archaeological Survey
- Art and Architecture of the Ancient World
- Introduction to Archaeology
- Latin / Greek
See all required courses in the college catalogue.
- Ancient Athletics
- Classical Mythology: The Heroes
- Evolutionary Biology
- War and Culture in the Ancient World
- Women in the Ancient Mediterranean World
The Classical Archaeology minor gives students a taste of the ancient world by observing material cultures of Greece and Rome and other groups closely associated with them. This minor complements a variety of studies such as those looking to gain a deeper understanding anthropological archaeology, classical archaeology, cultural resource management, and historical preservation. It also provides any student with a strong intellectual interest in archaeology with a solid introduction to the area of study.
Recent Outcomes
Recent Career Outcomes
Odysseus Unbound Foundation
New England Historic Genealogical Society
The American University of Rome
The Trustees of Reservations
Recent Graduate Schools
Brandeis University
Johns Hopkins University
The American University of Rome
The Catholic University of America
Find Your Program
Related Majors and Minors

STUDENT PROFILE: MEGAN BREWER ’26
Captivated by the migration of French-Canadians to the New England region in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Classical Archaeology and History major and honors student Megan Brewer ‘26 dedicated her undergraduate research to learning about the preservation of their culture as immigrants to the United States.
History and Classics Department News

Benites named the 2024 – 2025 Fr. Bernard Holmes Scholar
Diego Benites ’25, a history and American studies major from Tyngsboro, Mass…

Students Spend their Summers Researching Big Questions
For many students at Saint Anselm College, summer is a time to take a deep…


Saint Anselm’s Travel Program Hosts a Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia
Saint Anselm’s Arches Travel Program took a trip to…

Saint Anselm College Welcomes New History and Classics Professor
Saint Anselm College History department welcomes new members…

2025 Wrapped: Looking Back on Saint Anselm’s Successes and Accomplishments
Saint Anselm College celebrates the year’s accomplishments by…

Anselmians Travel Down the Rhine with Arches
This October, Saint Anselm friends and alumni participated in the…

Student Researches the Impact of the Catholic Church in 19th and 20th Century Franco-American Communities
Saint Anselm College’s Megan Brewer ’26 spent the summer researching…

NH-LIFT Grant Supports Student on Excavation in Central Italy
NH-LIFT Grant allows Saint Anselm College’s William Dervin ’26 to…
To view degree requirements, click the Academic Catalogue button.
- Navigate to Programs by Area: Majors and Minors in the left column
- Select your program for course details

