Current course offerings

Please Note: Course profiles marked as not available may still be in development.

Course description

This course introduces students to the first two centuries of the Roman imperial period, from the accession of Tiberius (14 CE) to the Severan Dynasty (193-235 CE). Students will engage with key ancient sources in translation, including the writings of Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Cassius Dio, along with inscriptions and other non-literary evidence. Particular emphasis will be placed on comparing historical accounts with inscriptions and other contemporary evidence. A programme of linked lectures and tutorials tracks major developments during the reign of each emperor, alongside thematic discussion of topics including the nature of imperial power; relations between emperor, senate, soldiers, and other groups; women of the imperial family; provincial governance; the practice of emperor-worship; and imperial building programmes. This course may not run if there are fewer than 20 enrolments.

Archived offerings