To the ancient mind, Rome was the centre of the world. Its staggering size, the heterogeneity of its population, the variety of its cults, the dazzling display of its architecture, all contributed to the idea that Rome was not only the administrative capital of the empire, but also the symbolic centre of the known world.
Rome the Cosmopolis continues to fascinate. In this course, we study the city of Rome in the first two centuries AD. We consider questions pertaining to its functioning: how could its enormous population be fed, what were the living conditions of its inhabitants, what was the social and ethnic composition of the population? In addition, we also delve into the symbolic significance of the city, in particular issues of acculturation and Roman identity. The combination of these two lines of inquiry allows us to develop a uniquely fruitful idea of what it was like to be Roman. In a city where in all probability, the majority of the population consisted of outsiders, the notion of a Roman identity was hardly unproblematic.
Rooster
Semester II, see timetables.
Onderwijsvorm
Research Seminar; attendance is compulsory ( see the rules and regulations of the Department of History, art. 2).
Leerdoelen
Students will acquire:
*Knowledge of the history of the city of Rome under the Principate; *Knowledge of major issues in the social-economic and cultural history of the Roman world; *Knowledge of the topography of ancient Rome; *Insight into current methodologies of ancient social-economic and cultural history.
Literatuur
see Blackboard-site.
Toetsing
Entrance examination, presentation, written paper
Entrance examination: 48 hours before the first session of the course, students should hand in an essay.
Literature and essay question: see Blackboard-site
Informatie
With tutor: l.e.tacoma@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Blackboard/webpagina
Overzicht
Subjects discussed include: Rome and the emperors, the social and ethnic composition of the Roman population, Roman migration, the religions of Rome, acculturation and ethnic identity. A detailed outline will be made available at the start of the course.
Opmerkingen
An excursion to Rome will form part of the course; more information will follow on the Blackboard-site. Participation is not obligatory.
Aanmeldingen Cursussen, Werkgroepen en Tentamens
MA course enrolment forms can be downloaded here.