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The Changing Landscape of Ancient Rome. Archaeology and History of the Palatine Hill
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 9 hours
  • Course by Sapienza University of Rome
  • Offered by

About

Studying ancient - as well as medieval or modern - cities basically means telling local urban stories based on the reconstruction of changing landscapes through the centuries. Given the fragmentary nature of archaeological evidence, it is necessary to create new images that would give back the physical aspect of the urban landscape and that would bring it to life again. We are not just content with analyzing the many elements still visible of the ancient city. The connections between objects and architectures, visible and non visible buildings, which have been broken through time have to be rejoined, to acknowledge the elements that compose the urban landscape. Landscape and its content are a very relevant and still vital part of any national cultural heritage. The course will introduce students to the way we have been reflecting on over the last twenty years and still are engaged with the study of the past of our cities, beginning from the most complex case in the ancient Mediterranean World: the core of Italy and of Roman Empire. On the other hand, knowledge means also preservation and defense of material remains and cultural memory. “The Changing Landscape of Ancient Rome. Archeology and History of the Palatine Hill” presents to a large public the topographical lay-out of the most relevant part of the city (according the Greek and Roman Historians Rome was founded on the Palatine). Research developed on the Palatine since the end of last century by the team of Sapienza Classical Archaeologists opened a new phase in the urban archaeological investigation and in the scientific debate about the relation between archaeological features and literary tradition as well as the “correct use“ of both kind of evidence, key issues of wide archaeological and historical significance.

Modules

From ruins to a full evidence local history (methods, procedures, tools)

    • 8 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • From ruins to a full evidence local history (methods, procedures, tools)

8 Videos

  • Introduction
  • 1.1 Classical Archaeology: artifacts (objects, architectures, landscapes) and history.
  • 1.2 Talking with objects: from pots to Chronology.
  • 1.3 Talking with earth, stones and bricks: from layers and walls to History
  • 1.4 Introduction to ancient Rome.
  • 1° tutorial
  • 2° tutorial
  • 3° tutorial

From a border land to the largest settlement in Latium (13th–9th cent. b.c.e.)

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • From a border land to the largest settlement in Latium (13th–9th cent. b.c.e.)

4 Videos

  • 2.1 Before the City: pre-urban and proto-urban epoch.
  • 2.2 Latium from Bronze Age to Iron age.
  • 2.3 Rome from Bronze Age to Iron age.
  • 2.4 Palatine from Bronze Age to Iron age.

A city - ruled by kings - is born (8th – 7th century b.c.e.).

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • A city - ruled by kings - is born (8th – 7th century b.c.e.).

4 Videos

  • 3.1 The foundation of Rome: myth and rites.
  • 3.2 The foundation of Rome: archaeology
  • 3.3 Palatine during the reigns of earlier kings 1.
  • 3.4 Palatine during the reigns of earlier kings 2.

New kings before a new State (6th – 3rd century b.c.e.).

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • New kings before a new State (6th – 3rd century b.c.e.).

4 Videos

  • 4.1 Rome during the reigns of later kings.
  • 4.2 Palatine during the reigns of later kings: noble residences and cult places.
  • 4.3 From Monarchy to Republic.
  • 4.4 Palatine during late republican period.

The Masters of an Empire (2nd - end of 1st century b.c.e.)

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The Masters of an Empire (2nd - end of 1st century b.c.e.)

4 Videos

  • 5.1 Palatine during late republican period.
  • 5.2 Temples
  • 5.3 Houses 1
  • 5.4 Houses 2 (the house of Octavianus).

The Capital of the Empire (end of 1st century b.c.e. – beginning of 1st century c.e.)

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The Capital of the Empire (end of 1st century b.c.e. – beginning of 1st century c.e.)

4 Videos

  • 6.1 From Republic to Empire
  • 6.2 Palatine after the battle of Actium (year 31st b.c.e.)
  • 6.3 The House of Augustus 1
  • 6.4 The House of Augustus 2

The Golden City (1st – 2nd century c.e.).

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The Golden City (1st – 2nd century c.e.).

4 Videos

  • 7.1 Palatine after the death of Augustus (Julio-Claudian dynasty).
  • 7.2 The great fire of year 64 c.e. and Nero’s Palatine.
  • 7.3 A new palace for the Emperor
  • 7.4 The slopes of the Palatine

The Golden City and her decline (3rd – 6th century c.e.)

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The Golden City and her decline (3rd – 6th century c.e.)

4 Videos

  • 8.1 A larger and larger imperial Palace
  • 8.2 A late noble residence
  • 8.3 A new sanctuary for the goddess Vesta
  • 8.4 Churches on the Palatine

Auto Summary

Explore the transformation of Ancient Rome through archaeology and history with "The Changing Landscape of Ancient Rome. Archaeology and History of the Palatine Hill." This Arts & Humanities course, led by experts from Sapienza, delves into the urban stories of Rome's core, reconstructing its changing landscapes. Over 540 minutes, you'll engage with topographical layouts, archaeological investigations, and historical debates. Ideal for those interested in cultural heritage, this foundational course is available via Coursera's Starter subscription.

Paolo Carafa
Instructor

Paolo Carafa