Social Spaces of the Ancient World

Catalog description

A. Smith Ancient Greece and Rome offered a wide array of social spaces that are often overshadowed by grand imperial villas of Roman Emperors or monumental Greek temples. This course looks at the social spaces where everyday ancient Greeks and Romans could make their lives more enjoyable. In this course, we will examine ancient theater venues, beloved baths, facilities that accommodated spectacles and sporting events, bars, and shopping facilities to give a better understanding of how these ancient people spent their daily lives. In our investigation, we will imagine ourselves putting on or viewing the great tragedies of Euripides or Sophocles in the theater, survey the archaeological remains of bathing facilities frequented by ancient Greeks and Romans, look at epigraphic evidence from ancient food stalls to get a better idea of people’s diet and the costs of dining out in the ancient world, and much more. Satisfies Classical Languanges and Literature major requirement. Satisfies Classical Studies major and minor requirement. Satisfies Historical Thought requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Not offered in 2026-2027