The Age of Augustus

Catalog description

The Age of Augustus (44 BCE – 14 CE) was a turning point for ancient Roman politics, art, literature, and religion. In this class, intended to be accessible to those with no background in ancient studies or ancient languages as well as to those with some prior knowledge, we will consider both the political changes that allowed one man to consolidate power and turn Rome from a republic to an empire and the cultural shifts that were taking place at the same time. The course is split equally between history and art/literature/culture. We will read Virgil’s Aeneid and other major works of Latin literature in translation, consider some of the most canonical works of ancient art and architecture, and place both in the context of broader Roman culture and lived experience. How were the political and cultural changes connected?