Ancient History: The Roman Empire

We remain fascinated by the events and people of the Roman Empire because they continue to affect the modern world in important ways. In this course we will discuss the social, political, and cultural transformations Rome imposed on the Mediterranean world from its first emperor, Augustus (d. 14 CE) to its last, Justinian I (d. 565 CE). Our focus will lie not only on the emperors and their deeds, but on the women who shaped the course of Roman history, the slaves and freedpersons who helped administer the state, and the diverse peoples who carried the weight of this power. We will analyze everyday life in the multiethnic empire, the gender dynamics of Roman society, and the religious transformations that affected Jews, Christians, Romans, and Greeks alike. Our class will focus on questions of power, diversity, tolerance, the meaning of "empire," and ultimately why Rome mattered and still matters so much.

Course Attributes: EN H; BU Hum; BU IS; AS HUM; AS LCD; FA HUM; AR HUM

Ancient History: The Roman Empire

HISTORY 342C

Section 01

Section 21