Definition of Classical Studies
Classical studies (Classics for short) – earliest branch of the humanities, which covers the languages, literature, history, art, and other cultural aspects of the ancient Mediterranean world. The focus is on Ancient Greece and Rome from the Bronze Age through the Fall of Roman Empire in the west.
UK Libraries that have materials on Classical Studies
- William T. Young LibraryThe William T. Young Library houses the majority of print and AV materials for Classical Studies, particularly for literature and history
- Lucille C. Little Fine Arts LibraryThe Fine Arts Library houses materials on Classical, Greek and Roman art and architecture as well as early Christian icons and symbolism.
Find a Guide
Library of Congress Call numbers for Classics
Library of Congress Classification provides a central place for Greek and Latin literature under the PA, but specifics on Greek and Latin culture are usually under the broader subject under history, etc.
PA Classical Philology – includes texts on Latin and Greek along with texts for most of the Classical authors
PA 1–2915 Classical Philology and Linguistics
PA 3000-3049 Classical Literature
PA 3050-4505 Greek Literature
PA 500-5660 Byzantine language
PA 6000-6971 Latin Literature
PA 8001-8595 Medieval and Renaissance Latin Literature
Other Classifications to be aware of:
B 108-708 Ancient Philosophy
BL 700-820 Ancient Religions (Etruscan, Greek, Roman)
C Auxiliary Sciences of History
CD Diplomatics. Archives. Seals
CE Technical Chronology. Calendar
CJ Numismatics includes ancient coinage
CN Inscriptions. Epigraphy
CT Biography
DE History of Ancient World
DF Greece
DG Italy (including Rome and Roman Empire)
G Geography, Anthropology, Recreation particularly to GN Anthropology, GR Folklore, GT Manners and customs
N 5320-5899 Ancient Art
NA 270-285 Greek Architecture
NA 310-340 Roman Architecture
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Library of Congress Subject terms may include:
Classical literature and the narrow terms of Latin literature and Greek literature
Classical language and the narrow terms of Latin language and Greek language
Rome will cover the ancient kingdom, republic and empire
Byzantium will cover the later empire
For information on Ancient and Classical Greece, search under Greece – History
For information about a particular topic, try
Ancient such as in Art, Ancient
Classical such as in Lamps, Classical or
Roman such as in Fortifications, Roman
Greek such as in Pottery, Greek
