History of Ancient Rome

DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the history of Ancient Rome from its mythological origins through the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Students will examine how Rome rose from a small city on the Tiber River to become the greatest empire of the ancient world, and how its legacy continues to shape the modern world in profound ways. 

Rather than simply memorizing dates and rulers, students will engage with primary sources, historical debates, and comparative analysis to understand Rome on its own terms, and to use it as a lens for understanding our own society. We will ask critical questions: How did Rome build and sustain power? How did class, gender, and ethnicity shape Roman life? Why did Rome fall, and what did its collapse mean for the world? 

The course is organized chronologically, beginning with Rome's founding myths and moving through the Monarchy, Republic, and Empire. Along the way, students will explore Roman law, religion, politics, military history, and culture. The course concludes with the transformation of the Roman world into the medieval era and the enduring legacy of Rome in language, law, government, and religion.

Best suited for students 14+