Classics - Roman History

Overview

Overview

This module focuses on the Roman Empire from the first to early third centuries AD. In this period the hegemony of the city of Rome grew, spreading over almost two million square miles: a vast territory encompassing almost all of modern Europe and also north Africa, Egypt, and the near east. This course traces the evolution of this political unit and explores the consequences for those who lived under its control. In what ways did the inhabitants of the empire become ‘Roman’? What were the benefits and drawbacks of inclusion? How did the systems of governance work? What held things together, both practically and ideologically? We will also discuss shifts in modern approaches, from the glorification of the Roman state to more critical post-colonial approaches to imperial rule.

Lecturer: Dr Rebecca Usherwood