Teaching Ancient History Using Primary Sources -With the Case of the Social War (91‒88 BC)-

The ancient Mediterranean world is an abundantly documented community. The surviving vast amount of literature and material evidence provides tangible links to the classical world. This paper demonstrates how to introduce students to various primary sources and make primary sources a central part of classroom lessons in high schools and universities with the case of the Social War (91‒88 BC), a rebellion of Rome's allies in Italy against the Roman Republic.BR In the classroom model presented in the paper, the Social War is understood as a fight for independence. The session deals with the causes of the Social War, the Italian aims at the time of the war and the gradual process of the Italian integration into Roman politics and society after the war. The primary source materials selected to teach these topics include epigraphic, numismatic, architectural evidence as well as literary sources, and they are intended to present diverse perspectives.BR Primary sources engage students in active learning and are a powerful tool for teaching ancient history. While investigating the ideas, thoughts and look of the ancient civilisations through primary sources, students can develop and refine historical thinking skills and historical understandings.