Ancient Australia Unearthed

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Ancient Australia Unearthed is the first textbook in Australia to comprehensively cover the topic Ancient Australia for a primary and secondary audience. Originally written to address the Australian Curriculum: History Year 7 Depth Study unit ‘Ancient Australia’, it is now widely used across the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors to deepen students’ and teachers’ appreciation for and understanding of Ancient Australia.

Supporting not only the Year 7 History Curriculum, Ancient Australia Unearthed also directly addresses key historical concepts and understandings for Year 4 History and for the NSW HSC Year 11 Stage 6 Ancient History unit ‘Ancient Australia’. It is also used widely in tertiary studies, particularly in undergraduate education courses.

Ancient Australia Unearthed uses archaeology to inform readers of Australia’s ancient past through archaeological evidence, case studies, inquiry questions and historical investigations. It draws on key archaeological discoveries, theories, research and unsolved mysteries to guide readers through the complex and layered history of Ancient Australia. It provides opportunities for students to explore and develop their historical understanding of evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, empathy, significance and contestability. Ancient Australia Unearthed invites readers to consider key inquiry questions, including how we know about Ancient Australia, why and where Ancient Australia developed, what emerged as the defining characteristics of Ancient Australia, and what legacies Ancient Australia has provided.

Ancient Australia Unearthed invites students and teachers to delve into Australia’s ancient past and investigate historical and archaeological controversies, question assumptions, solve mysteries, and participate in heritage conservation. Inquiry questions are structured according to Bloom’s Taxonomy, and the strong focus on visual and critical literacy allows for differentiation by encouraging a variety of learners to deepen their historical understanding of Ancient Australia in their own time and with their own interpretations.

Through inquiry questions, case studies and archaeological investigations, students hone their historical skills in key areas, particularly in sequencing and chronologies; historical questions and research; analysis of primary and secondary sources; describing attitudes, values, perspectives and interpretations; and explanation and communication.