Highways and Byways in Antiquity

Catalog description

This seminar will explore the construction and development of pathways of communication and contact in the ancient (primarily Mediterranean) world. Emphasis will be placed upon major routes (highways) and the state-level powers that instituted and controlled them, but also on more modest roads and paths and the communities they promoted. The scope of the course is thus quite extensive, embracing both terrestrial and maritime roadways, and all forms of activity that took place on and along them (trade, pilgrimage, 'strip development', imperial postal and spy systems, ports, etc.). Some previous study of antiquity is desirable. Please note: CLAS1750I is being team-taught by Susan Alcock and John Bodel.