Approaching Ancient Evidence (Roman)

Module code: AH1009

• What types of evidence do ancient historians have to work with?
• Who were the potential audiences for works of history, poetry, graffiti, comedy, oratory etc.?
• What role did language play in the formation of Roman identity and ideas about power? 

Studying ancient history requires us to consider a wide variety of sources from a range of perspectives, and to think, in particular, about the contexts in which they occurred and who the potential audiences they wanted to speak to might have been. This module will introduce you to a range of source materials used by ancient historians to try to learn more about ancient Rome, as well as providing you with the tools necessary to translate basic Latin inscriptions, coins and short sentences. The module is structured thematically and the sources discussed in their historical and archaeological context will be closely linked to the topics covered in the module 'Introduction to the Roman World'. 

Topics covered

• The language of power
• The language of ritual
• The language of love
• The language of death
• The language of laughter
• Epigraphy and Graffiti
• Defining Place
• Money and coinage
• Thinking with Latin