Modules

Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus (CLA2354)

15 credits

The Augustan Age is seen as one of the turning points in the history of Rome, Italy and the Ancient Mediterranean, embodying tradition and innovation, continuity and novelty. Yet the great building programs that transformed Rome into an imperial capital, were not always celebrated but criticised and feared for what they represented – tyranny. In this module you will consider the visual and architectural language that was developed as a tool of power. We will read the tremendous wealth of evidence against the grain – along with the silences – to uncover multiple histories of the age, whether in monuments, engravings, poetry, or political writings.