Description

The first Roman Emperor, Augustus (27 BC – AD 14), won the last of the civil wars that destroyed the Roman Republic.  He recast Roman institutions into an absolute monarchy while pretending to adhere to constitutional norms and tradition.  This tension defined the next two centuries.  The Roman Empire was transformed by its massive imperial expansion also changing substantially socially and economically.

This eight-week course will trace these trends and investigate them through discussion of texts from the period, most especially Tacitus, the greatest of the Roman historians.

Classes will be conducted via Zoom on Wednesdays, 19:30-21:00 (GMT+1) on 17th January, 24th January, 31st January, 7th February, (mid-term break on 14th February), 21st February, 28th February, 6th March and 13th March 2024.

Tutor: Dr Stephen Chappell.