HIST 207 The Roman Empire
The impact of Rome is all around us today, whether in popular culture or in the physical remnants of Roman building that still distinguish the European landscape. The Roman Empire continues to command attention for the political achievements that held together a vast Mediterranean empire and that lasted for centuries, but also for the collapse of Roman power in the West. This class will introduce students to the history of the Roman Empire from its creation by the first emperor, Augustus, to the death of Justinian, the last emperor to rule effectively both East and West. We will begin with the tumultuous emergence of the Empire out of the political instability of the late Republic, trace the expansion of Roman power in the so-called pax Romana, and follow the story of the end of empire in the West. In the course of this survey of imperial history, we will consider such themes as Roman religion, Roman art, and the nature of Roman citizenship.
Cross Listed Courses
HIST 207 &
CLAS 209