History of Ancient Rome

Of all the civilizations that have ever been, none have inspired as much wonder and awe as Ancient Rome. No society since has replicated the achievements nor enjoyed the longevity that the Roman Empire did. Indeed Ancient Rome is among the greatest contributors to Western Civilization and culture. Among these contributions are the Julian Calendar, Romance (Roman based) languages, republican government, and formal spectacle sport. This course explores the world of Ancient Rome as students investigate important events and key figures of the epoch.The individual lectures will examine major themes while touching upon the fascinating details of Roman life, such as the Romans' intensely hierarchical social order. In lectures 1–4 we concentrate on the Romans in the early days of the Roman Republic. Lectures 5–8 focus on the Romans abroad while lectures 9–12 explore matters within the Roman state. Finally, lectures 13 and 14 discuss the Roman Empire following the reign of Augustus. Along the way, numerous facts of cultural literacy, such as what it means to "cross the Rubicon" will be illuminated as listeners enjoy professor Titchener's unique style and finesse.At the end of this course, students will possess a thorough understanding of Ancient Rome's legacy to the modern world, and will have fully considered the poet Vergil's assertion that the Romans' talent was to "rule mankind and make the world obey." * Explore Rome's Emperors, from the gracious civility of Julius Caesar to the sadistic evil of Caligula. * Trace the extent of Rome's reach throughout the ancient world, from the far corners of the East to the southern borders of Scotland. * Understand the great achievements of Roman civilization, from feats of architecture to accomplishments of government. * Examine the Romans themselves, from the Emperors to the Senators, to the Plebians and the soldiers who conquered most of the known world. * Consider the great works of the poet Vergil and his importance to the Romans, as well as his legacy to world literature.