Rome's period from 133 B.C.E. to 23 B.C.E. witnessed a political transformation from the oligarchy of the "Republic" to the monarchy of the "Empire." The course investigates the political, economic and cultural developments in Rome that resulted in its transformation, as well as the impact stemming from the rise of popular tribunes, the rise of private armies, the first triumvirate and the rise of Caesar.
During Ancient Rome, the vast majority of public monuments were commissioned for the emperor, not simply by him, in order to elevate his status, to showcase his benefactions and cement his legacy. Monuments include: the Ara Pacis, the Column of Trajan, the Arch of Titus and Constantine. This course looks at these monuments as symbolic communications between the emperor, the senate and the people. The goal is to put into context the emperor's purpose for these commissions and the modern view of Roman state art.
Utilizing archaeology, art history, topography and social and economic history, this course follows Rome's development from its early foundation as a small town on the Tiber River through the introduction of Christianity, into the mega-city of Rome. By using artifacts and historical works, the course makes written accounts tangible, giving the students a multitude of evidence to help piece together the true reality of the Roman Empire, taking in works of art, ancient ruins and the actual landscape of the city.
Ancient Rome boasted one million inhabitants during the 1st century B.C.E. to the beginning of the 5th century C.E. Although this might not seem like an enormous number compared to modern cities, Rome, at the time, contained one of the highest population densities of all pre-industrial cities. This course focuses on the demographic explosion and the role the government took to fill the needs of the people, such as feeding them, delivering water and grain, maintaining order, providing entertainment and basic services, and protecting this massive population.