The mass killing of people is a depressingly familiar feature of human existence, from the Thalheim Death Pit (c. 5000 BC) to the Royhinga genocide in contemporary Myanmar. Mass killings are nonetheless exceptional and emerge from specific contexts and human decisions. This module explores and compares the contexts, dynamics, and discourses as well as the afterlife of mass killings from ancient history to the present day. Looking at case studies from across the world, students will be able to apply different approaches and methodologies relevant to the study of the history of violence.