HIST 53: History of Rome

Richard Talbert

The course is designed as an outline introduction to major periods and themes of Roman history. While complete in itself, it may also serve as the basis for more advanced courses in ancient history or classical studies. Broadly speaking, a millennium or so is spanned, from the origins of Rome to the early centuries A.D. But the principal focus is upon the growth of Rome to become the dominant power throughout the Mediterranean and beyond, together with consideration of the far-reaching changes which occurred as part of this development. As will emerge, while these changes were social, economic and military in nature, they perhaps made their greatest impact in the political sphere. During the term, some of the main aims are therefore to understand the nature of the Roman republican constitution, to probe why it eventually broke down in civil war between Pompey and Julius Caesar, and to investigate how the emperor Augustus succeeded in establishing a stable regime, when previously Caesar's dictatorship had led only to his assassination on the Ides of March 44 B.C. The term ends with a consideration of the main features of Augustus' achievement, and with a review of its consequences up to the fourth century A.D. Fall or spring.

"I am not what most would call a really motivated student, but your class (as intimidating and monotonous as the label may sound) has inspired me and intrigued me. I have not only learned a lot about the history of Rome, but I have realized one fundamental aspect of teaching . . . anything can be made interesting."

"I never really expected to enjoy a course titled 'The History of Rome,' but WOW!"