ARTH 206(S) The Ancient Roman City (Same as Classics 215)
This course introduces the topography and monuments of the city of Rome from its Iron Age foundations in the eighth century B.C.E. through the time of Constantine in the early
fourth century C.E. The growth of Rome as a major urban center in the Mediterranean and
ultimately the capital of a vast empire will be explored in relation to the daily lives of its
inhabitants. Other cities in Italy, including Ostia and Pompeii, and in the provinces will also
be investigated as case studies of Roman urbanism. A critical theme of the course is the role
of archaeology in revealing the ancient Roman city and transforming our understanding of
its political, social, economic, and religious identity.
Format: lecture.Requirements: mid-term and final examinations; 10-page research paper .
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 20 (expected:15). This course satisfies the pre-1400 and
pre-1800 requirements.
Hour: THOMPSON