Classics
Undergraduate - Classical Art and Archaeology

Inscribed Objects: Roman Coins and Latin Inscriptions

Roman coins and Latin inscriptions are amongst the most important sources for Roman imperial history and archaeology. No other imperial propaganda tool circulated as widely as coins, no other inscribed objects were produced in similar quantities and (apart from pottery) no other category of artefact is as important for dating Roman sites and archaeological contexts. Unlike mass-produced coins and other portable objects, inscriptions on stone tend to relate to local events (e.g. personal life stories of, or religious dedications by, members of the local community, building projects, etc.). For crucial aspects of Roman political, religious, economic and social history inscriptions are an important, if not the only, source.

Prof. Eberhard Sauer

Hellenistic Art

An exploration of Greek art and architecture from c. 323-31 B.C. in its political, religious, and social context. Of special interest are the development and political manipulation of portraiture, the rise of the Hellenistic baroque style, wall painting, theatrical architecture, and interactions with non-Greek cultures (including the Romans), which produce a hybrid art in response to new concerns.

Prof. Judith Barringer.

Death and Burial in Republican and Imperial Rome

Large numbers of burials, tombs and funerary monuments have been found in the vicinity of the city of Rome. This course traces developments and changes in burial practices, beliefs and attitudes, as expressed in the material remains, from the first burials in Rome to those of the Christians living in the time of Constantine. Three main aspects of the subject are studied: archaeological evidence for burial rites, the architectural history of tombs, and the decoration of funerary monuments (painting, mosaic, stucco and sculpture). Special attention is paid to the identification of the subject matter of funerary art, and to the question of how far it was intended to convey ideas about the after-life. The course follows a broadly chronological outline and looks at Etruscan and Pompeian tombs as well as those of Rome and Ostia.

Dr. Glenys Davies.

Roman Propaganda

This course is concerned with the 'official' or 'public' art of the Roman world: the major monuments erected by the emperors in Rome and the provinces (such as triumphal arches and columns); imperial portraits; coins which advertise aspects of imperial policy; minor arts which express imperial ideology. The period covered stretches from the rivalry of aristocratic families in the late Republic to the death of Constantine. The course also looks at the motivation behind and the effects of this official art, and whether it can really be called 'propaganda'.

Dr. Glenys Davies

History of the Study of Classical Antiquity

This course looks at the ways scholars (and amateurs) have studied the Classical past over the centuries, from the Renaissance to the present day, and encourages students to examine current attitudes and methods. The precise subjects covered change from year to year with the staff who teach the course, but most recently have included: Gibbon as a writer of history; the Grand Tour collectors; the rediscovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum; Mussolini, Fascism and the use of Roman archaeology; the Black Athena controversy. Finally, we ask the question: is modern study of the past any more enlightened, less subjective, or more scientific than in the past? Or do we continue to be prey to passing fashions, preoccupations and prejudices?

Dr. Glenys Davies and other members of staff.

The Reach of Rome

Rome was the dominant power in the western world, militarily, economically and culturally as well as in terms of the population it controlled for as much as 750 to 800 years (from the 2nd c. BC to the 7th c. AD), much longer than any state before or after. Indeed, for most periods of history no single state reached similar dominance in the west and, if so, it was normally for years or decades rather than centuries. The course will explore the reasons behind this unparalleled longevity in terms of the Empire’s ability to inflict military defeats on its enemies as well as to integrate the conquered population.

Prof. Eberhard Sauer