- Level Foundation
- Duration 23 hours
- Course by University of Arizona
-
Offered by
About
The objective of this course is to provide an overview of the culture of ancient Rome beginning about 1000 BCE and ending with the so-called "Fall of Rome". We will look at some of the key people who played a role in Rome, from the time of the kings through the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. We will also focus on the city of Rome itself, as well as Rome's expansion through Italy, the Mediterranean, and beyond.Modules
Welcome to the course!
2
Videos
- Welcome!
- Dr. Soren in Italy
7
Readings
- About the course
- About us
- Syllabus
- Grading policy
- The textbook
- Online resources
- Archaeological excavation opportunities
The Early Italians
1
Assignment
- Quiz One: The Early Romans and Their Ancestors
6
Videos
- 1. Italy before Rome
- 2. Rome before Rome
- 3. The Sepulcretum
- 4. The People of Ancient Italy
- 5. Guest Lecture: Dr. Emma Blake on Bronze Age Italians
- 6. Early Iron Age Chronology
The Etruscans, Part I
1
Assignment
- Quiz Two: The Etruscans, Part I
10
Videos
- 1. The Orientalizing Period
- 2. The Etruscans
- 3. Etruscan Origins I
- 4. Etruscan Origins II
- 5. Etruscan Origins III
- 6. Etruscan Society
- 7. Etruscan Artisans
- 8. Tumuli at Cerveteri
- 9. Tombs at Tarquinia
- 10. Life and Death
The Etruscans, Part II
1
Assignment
- Quiz Three: The Etruscans, Part II
1
Peer Review
- Essay Question One
13
Videos
- 1. Greek Art in Etruria
- 2. The Francois Vase
- 3. Greek Myth in Etruria I
- 4. Greek Myth in Etruria II
- 5. Etruscan Belief
- 6. Tomb of the Infernal Chariot
- 7. The Necropolis at Orvieto I
- 8. The Necropolis at Orvieto II
- 9. Guest Lecture: Dr. Alba Frascarelli on Velzna
- 10. Populonia I
- 11. Populonia II
- 12. The Etruscans in Rome
- 13. The Early Roman Forum
The Early Republic (509 - ca. 200 BCE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Four: The Early Republic
9
Videos
- 1. The Roman Republic
- 2. Forum Romanum I
- 3. Forum Romanum II
- 4. Forum Romanum III
- 5. Ancient Architectural Orders
- 6. The Doric Order
- 7. The Ionic and Tuscan Orders
- 8. The Capitoline Hill
- 9. The Beginning of Rome's Expansion
The Middle Republic (ca. 200 - ca. 100 BCE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Five: The Middle Republic
5
Videos
- 1. Early Roman Expansion
- 2. Underwater Archaeology
- 3. Republican Art
- 4. Carthage
- 5. "Carthage: A Mosaic of Ancient Tunisia"
The Civil Wars (ca. 100 - 31 BCE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Six: The Civil Wars
1
Peer Review
- Essay Question Two
9
Videos
- 1. Rome's Revolutionary Century
- 2. The Temple of Fortuna at Praeneste
- 3. The Roman Domus and Theatre
- 4. The Theater of Pompey Today
- 5. Roman Portraiture
- 6. Greek Art in Rome
- 7. Roman Lamps I
- 8. Roman Lamps II
- 9. Roman Glass
The Age of Augustus (31 BCE - 14 CE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Seven: The Age of Augustus
5
Videos
- 1. Augustan Art
- 2. "Forgotten Lives: The Ancient City of Troy"
- 3. Guest Lecture: Dr. David Gilman Romano's Digital Map of Augustan Rome
- 4. Guest Lecture: Dr. Marylin Skinner on Roman Gender and Sexuality
- 5. The Legacy of Augustus
The Julio-Claudian Emperors (14 - 68 CE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Eight: The Julio-Claudian Emperors
5
Videos
- 1. Art After Augustus: Tiberius and the Julio-Claudians
- 2. Roman Pottery
- 3. The Julio-Claudians after Tiberius: Caligula, Claudius, and Nero
- 4. Guest Lecture: Dr. Phillip Waddell on Roman Historiography and Nero
- 5. Nero's Domus Aurea
2
Readings
- Peter Ustinov sings as Nero
- Dr. Soren's Work at Kourion (Coming Soon!)
The Flavian Emperors (69 - 96 CE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Nine: The Flavian Emperors
1
Peer Review
- Essay Question Three
9
Videos
- 1. The Flavian Emperors: Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian
- 2. The Arch of Titus
- 3. The Eruption of Vesuvius (79 CE)
- 4. Pompeii
- 5. The Pompeian House
- 6. Pompeii in 3D
- 7. The Alexander Mosaic I
- 8. The Alexander Mosaic II
- 9. The End of the Flavians
Nerva, Trajan, and Hadrian (96 - 138 CE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Ten: Nerva, Trajan, and Hadrian
6
Videos
- 1. Trajan
- 2. The Imperial Roman Forum
- 3. Trajan's Forum
- 4. Hadrian
- 5. The Pantheon
- 6. Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli
Antonine and Severan Emperors (138 - 235 CE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Eleven: The Antonine and Severan Emperors
1
Peer Review
- Essay Question Four
6
Videos
- 1. Antoninus Pius
- 2. The Roman Sarcaphogus
- 3. The Roman Domus in the 2nd Century CE
- 4. Marcus Aurelius and the Beginnings of Crisis I
- 5. Marcus Aurelius and the Beginnings of Crisis II
- 6. The Severans
2
Readings
- Hollywood's "Gladiator"
- Richard Harris plays Marcus Aurelius
The Beginning of the End (235 - 305 CE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Twelve: The Beginning of the End
6
Videos
- 1. The Years of Crisis
- 2. The Baths of Caracalla
- 3. The "Soldier Emperors"
- 4. Ostia, The Port of Rome
- 5. Diocletian
- 6. Roman Sculpture in the 3rd century CE
Rome in Late Antiquity (305 - 608 CE)
1
Assignment
- Quiz Thirteen: Rome in Late Antiqutity
1
Peer Review
- Essay Question Five
15
Videos
- 1. Constantine and the Rise of Christianity I
- 2. Constantine and the Rise of Christianity II
- 3. The Arch of Constantine
- 4. Kourion and Seismic Archaeology I
- 5. Kourion and Seismic Archaeology II
- 6. Lugnano and the Fall of Rome I
- 7. Lugnano and the Fall of Rome II
- 8. The Silver Amphora of Baratti I
- 9. The Silver Amphora of Baratti II
- 10. 5th and 6th Century Disruptions
- 11. Climate Change and the Fall of Rome
- 12. Guest Lecture: Dr. Charlotte Pearson on Dendrochronology
- 13. Guest Lecture: Cynthia Hart on Digitally Reconstructing Antiquity
- 14. A Patchwork of Settlements
- 15. The Column of Phocas: The Last Roman Monument
The End
2
Videos
- 1. From Dr. Soren and Lana, "Farewell!"
- 2. "Malaria and the Fall of Rome"
Auto Summary
Explore the fascinating world of ancient Rome with the "Roman Art and Archaeology" course, offered through Coursera and crafted for those passionate about arts and humanities. Led by an expert instructor, this comprehensive course delves into Rome's rich cultural history, spanning from approximately 1000 BCE to the famed "Fall of Rome." Learners will journey through the lives of key historical figures from the era of the Roman kings, through the Republic, and into the Empire. The course also provides a detailed examination of Rome's geographic and political expansion throughout Italy, the Mediterranean, and beyond. With a total duration of 1380 minutes, this foundational-level course is perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Flexible subscription options, including Starter and Professional plans, ensure you can learn at your own pace and according to your personal or professional needs. Ideal for history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the arts and humanities, this course promises to enrich your understanding of one of history's most influential civilizations. Join now to uncover the legacy of Rome and its enduring impact on the world.

David Soren