Module overview
This module explores the Roman Empire, but from the perspective of those who resisted it, fought it, and rebelled against it. The study of the ancient world, throughout its different periods, is greatly influenced by Rome. Starting from its expansion during the Republican period, through the height of Empire in the first and second centuries CE, and into late antiquity - when the western Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire parted ways - Rome had an undeniable and indelible impact on the ancient world, which in turn made a lasting imprint on modern society. In this module, you get the opportunity to explore how Rome’s expansion and influence was viewed and resisted by other ancient societies or groups within the Empire who questioned Rome’s authority.
The contents of the module will vary from year to year. Some of the key themes that may be explored include: comparisons between Rome and other ancient societies; questions around the authority and legitimacy of Roman rule; the notion of Roman citizenship and cultural identity, and affiliated advantages; shared or different cultural, religious, and social habits between Romans and others in the ancient world; causes and motivations for conflict with Rome, whether in the Republican period, during the height of the Roman empire, or in late antiquity; and the history and outcome of conflicts with Rome, whether large-scale wars or internal rebellions or revolts.