Who were "the Romans"? At its peak, the Roman empire encompassed the entire Mediterranean region—and beyond. No single state had ever consolidated this vast territory (nor has any since); to be "Roman" came to mean many things for the millions of people who made up this multiethnic empire. How did this happen, and what can we learn from it? The course will take a range of approaches to these questions, focusing on the second century BCE through the fourth century CE. Lectures will combine Roman political history with the study of culture and everyday life. This means we will engage deeply with topics such as gender, sexuality, slavery, domestic life, identity, and religion. Students will learn about the rise and fall of dynasties, the Roman frontier, and the tapestry of cultures in the empire, while also gaining a sense of what it would have been like to live in the ancient Mediterranean world. Discussion sections will focus on ancient texts and some modern scholarship, as well as art and material culture of the Roman world.

Course Requirements:

Exams, written exercises, participation in discussions

Intended Audience:

All are welcome! No prior knowledge required

Class Format:

Two lectures and one discussion section per week