Rome and its Neighbours

Module code: AR7008

In this module you’ll explore the multifaceted relationship between Rome and the provinces of the empire by looking at evidence from archaeological excavations and fieldwork, textual sources, inscriptions and other material culture.

This will help you to develop an understanding of the nature and scope of the variety of sources you can use for your research, and the social, economic, political, cultural and religious interactions between states. Lastly you’ll consider the complex issues of identity and culture change across and around the Roman, and how this is reflected in contemporary research. It considers the growth of the Roman Empire and its developing relations with neighbouring states, some of which became fully integrated, some of which, although conquered, long remained largely ‘un-Romanised’, and some of which successfully maintained their independence. This module aims to:

• Critically examine and review perspectives on the archaeology of the relationship between Rome and its neighbours
• Examine a wide range of themes, theories and methods for examining the archaeology of the Roman Empire and beyond
• Emphasise the wide range of peoples and experiences across the Roman Empire and beyond from the beginnings of the Empire to the end; and its later legacy
• Explore in depth topics of personal interest on the archaeology of the Roman Empire through choosing essay and project topics

Topics covered

• Analysis and critical evaluation of a range of sources of evidence from archaeological excavations and other fieldwork, textual sources, inscriptions and other material culture
• Nature and scope of the varied sources of evidence for the study of the Roman Empire and adjacent cultures
• Principal social, economic, political, cultural and religious interactions between Rome and the provinces of the Empire, and between provinces
• Complex issues of identity and culture change across and around the Roman Empire