In this course we will ask ourselves: why does ancient Rome refuse to go away? What is it
about ancient Rome that has captured the imaginations of Shakespeare and the framers of
the U.S. Constitution as well as HBO, Hollywood, and the video game industry? The course
examines the world of ancient Rome from early Etruscan and eastern origins to the
emergent Christian Rome of later antiquity. We will study the diverse mix of cultures in
this vast multi-ethnic empire that spanned from the Near East and Africa to Europe. As we
chart the rise of this ancient superpower, we will examine Roman imperialism, colonialism,
and the dynamics of cultural identity. Through art, literature, and archeology we will
explore politics, religions, slavery and social structures, gender and sexuality, sports and
entertainment, economics and trade, as well as the rhythms of daily life.
Gopher Grades is maintained by Social Coding with data from Summer 2017 to Summer 2025 provided by the University in response to a public records request