Classical Kingdoms: Survey
A 30-Lesson Classical Introduction to Western Civilization
The perfect starting point for students to begin the lessons, stories, and virtues that shaped Western Civilization—with no prior knowledge required.
Where Should My Child Start?
"My student is ready for middle school history, but they've never studied the ancients. I don't want to overwhelm them, but I don't want fluff either."
The Common Gap
Many students reach middle school without ever learning how democracy began, how Rome actually worked, or why Julius Caesar matters.
Entering a rigorous classical history course can feel intimidating without this cultural foundation.
The Survey Solution
Classical Kingdoms: Survey is the bridge. It fills the gap without assuming prior knowledge.
- Builds confidence before tackling complex texts.
- Focuses on the "Classical Literacy" of history, literature, and philosophy.
- Establishes the timeline of the ancient world.
A Gentle But Substantive Introduction
30 Structured Lessons
A perfect one-year or semester-intensive pacing. Covers early civilizations, Greece, Rome, and early Christianity.
Famous People & Ideas
We focus on the stories that matter: The Trojan Horse, the assassination of Caesar, and the courage of the early Church.
No Prerequisites
Designed specifically for students starting from scratch. We build the foundation brick by brick.
View full syllabus details, unit topics, and connections.
What This Course Is Not
Not Overwhelming
We don't drown students in dates and obscure facts. We focus on the narrative arc.
Not Watered-Down
This isn't "history lite." It's real history, told clearly for the first-time student.
Not Dry Facts
We avoid disconnected lists. Every lesson weaves into the larger story of civilization.
Not Secular Only
We explore how Christianity interacted with, challenged, and transformed the classical world.
What Your Student Will Learn
"History is philosophy teaching by examples." — Thucydides
The Roots of Democracy
How Athens invented "people power" and why it matters today.
The Rise & Fall of Rome
From the Republic's checks and balances to the Empire's collapse.
Virtue & Vice
Why virtue mattered to Aristotle, the Stoics, and the early Christians.
Biblical Integration
Understanding the historical context of the Old and New Testaments.
Who Is This Course For?
First-Time Students
Learners aged 10-14 new to the classical method.
Homeschool Families
Looking for a structured, trusted entry point to history.
Curious Learners
Students who want the story without the academic jargon.
Where This Fits in the Classical Pathway
Classical Kingdoms: Survey is the "On-Ramp." It gives your student the cultural literacy needed to succeed in deeper studies later.
Survey
30 Lessons.
Cultural Literacy.
No prerequisites.
Classical Kingdoms
72 Lessons.
Full Ancient History.
The flagship course.
Logic & Latin
Formal Logic.
Wheelock's Latin.
The tools of learning.
Continuum
Middle Ages.
Renaissance.
Advanced synthesis.
Guided by Jim Hull
Founder, Educator, Historian
With decades of classroom experience, Jim Hull understands that students don't need dry lectures—they need meaning. These stories connect with students for their journey in history, virtue, and wonder. He designed the Survey course specifically for families who want instruction founded in a classical approach.
Begin Your Journey
Give your child the foundation they need to understand history, culture, and the ideas that shaped the world they live in. Choose the path that fits your family best.
In-Person Course
At Veritas Academy, Columbus OH
Self-Paced Online
Learn from Anywhere