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Modules

Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Barbarian Societies (CLA2359)

15 credits

This module examines the so-called ‘barbarian’ societies encountered by the expanding Roman empire of the first century BCE/CE, in terms of culture, politics, economies, and ritual, addressing everything from conspicuous alcohol consumption to the cruel practice of head-taking. These themes are explored with a focus on material culture and archaeological evidence, alongside the analysis of ‘othering’ descriptions written by contemporary Mediterranean authors. No prior knowledge of these subjects is required to enrol. The module?is recommended for archaeologists, historians, and humanities students with interdisciplinary interests in the historical and anthropological study of small-scale societies in a globalising context.