
Ancient History of Rome
Code: 108100Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| History | OB | 1 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Joan Oller Guzman
- Email :
- joan.oller@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Oriol Olesti Vila
- Isaias Arrayas Morales
- Carlos Heredia Chimeno
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites are required.
Objectives
The main objective of this course is to introduce students to the principal historical, social, political, and economic phenomena of Ancient Rome, providing them with the conceptual and methodological tools necessary for their understanding and critical analysis. The course also aims to familiarize students with the main literary sources for each period of Roman history and to enable them to interpret these sources critically in light of the most significant historiographical approaches. Likewise, the course seeks to develop students’ ability to integrate archaeological evidence into historical interpretation by identifying the most significant archaeological sites and material assemblages and assessing their contribution to our understanding of Roman society.
Learning outcomes
- CM11 (Critically assess the different social realities of Classical Antiquity in order to bring about changes in study methods in response to the needs and demands of our time.) Critically assess the different social realities of Classical Antiquity in order to bring about changes in study methods in response to the needs and demands of our time.
- CM12 (Incorporate the gender perspective in the study of ancient history.) Incorporate the gender perspective in the study of ancient history.
- CM13 (Evaluate specific hypotheses about the societies of classical antiquity based on a correct use of the different types of historical sources.) Evaluate specific hypotheses about the societies of classical antiquity based on a correct use of the different types of historical sources.
- KM18 (Explain the main historical events and processes identified in the ancient world from a critical perspective.) Explain the main historical events and processes identified in the ancient world from a critical perspective.
- KM19 (Recognise the different types of historical sources, primary and secondary, as well as the research methods necessary to advance in the knowledge of the civilisations of the classical world.) Recognise the different types of historical sources, primary and secondary, as well as the research methods necessary to advance in the knowledge of the civilisations of the classical world.
- KM20 (Identify the contexts in which the various historical accounts of ancient civilisations have emerged.) Identify the contexts in which the various historical accounts of ancient civilisations have emerged.
- SM17 (Apply the main methods and instruments of historical analysis, particularly those provided by the so-called sciences of antiquity, to provide more profound knowledge of ancient civilisations.) Apply the main methods and instruments of historical analysis, particularly those provided by the so-called sciences of antiquity, to provide more profound knowledge of ancient civilisations.
- SM18 (Prepare written work and oral presentations using the terminology and techniques of studies in ancient history.) Prepare written work and oral presentations using the terminology and techniques of studies in ancient history.
Contents
BLOCK 1. THE ORIGINS OF ROME
1.- Introduction to Roman History.
2.- Archaic and Monarchical Rome. Servius Tullius.
BLOCK 2. THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
3.- The Emergence of the Republic and the Patrician-Plebeian Conflict.
4.- The Functioning and Institutions of the Roman Republic.
5.- The Beginnings of Roman Expansionism. The Conquest of Italy.
6.- The Conquest of the Mediterranean. The Punic Wars: from Multipolarity to Unipolarity.
7.- The “Crisis of the Republic”. From the Gracchi to the Civil Wars: Marius and Sulla; Pompey and Caesar.
8.- Augustus and the “Roman Revolution”.
BLOCK 3. THE HIGH EMPIRE
9.- The “Principate”: Functioning and Institutions.
10.- The Imperial Dynasties and Their Contributions: from the Julio-Claudians to the Severans.
11.- The “Crisis of the Third Century”.
BLOCK 4. THE LATE EMPIRE AND LATE ANTIQUITY
12.- The “Dominate”. Diocletian and the Tetrarchy.
13.- Constantine and Theodosius I. Christianity and the Division of the Empire.
14.- The Fall of the Western Roman Empire. The “Barbarian Invasions”.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom practical sessions | 15 | 0.6 | CM11, CM12, CM13, KM18, KM19, KM20, SM17, SM18 |
| Theoretical classes | 41 | 1.64 | CM11, CM12, CM13, KM18, KM19, KM20, SM17 |
| Study of course materials and analysis of texts and maps | 94 | 3.76 | CM11, CM12, CM13, KM18, KM19, KM20, SM17, SM18 |
-Attendance at theoretical lectures led by the lecturer.
-Attendance at classroom practical sessions led by the lecturer.
-Close reading of texts and interpretation of maps, graphs, tables, and archaeological documents.
-Preparation of reviews, assignments, and analytical commentaries.
-Independent study.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis of primary sources | 20% | 0 | 0 | CM12, CM13, KM19, KM20, SM17 |
| Work and oral presentation | 30% | 0 | 0 | CM12, KM19, SM17, SM18 |
| Exam 1 | 25% | 0 | 0 | CM11, KM18, KM20, SM17 |
| Exam 2 | 25% | 0 | 0 | CM11, KM18, KM19, KM20, SM17 |
Assessment for this course will consist of four components:
- Exams: two exams on the theoretical content of the course (30% each, 60% of the total mark).
- Primary source commentary assignment (20%).
- Preparation of presentation (in group) on a topic related to the subject. The presentation will be recorded online and delivered via Moodle (20%).
In the event that the tests cannot be taken in person, their format will be adapted (maintaining their weighting) to the possibilities offered by the UAB's virtual tools. Homework, activities and class participation will be carried out through forums, wikis and/or exercise discussions through Teams, etc. The teacher will ensure that the student can access them or will offer alternative means that are within their reach.
Assessment dates can’t be changed unless there’s an exceptional and well‑justified reason.
Erasmus students who need to leave before the scheduled assessment dates must provide an official document from their home university, addressed to the Degree Exchange Coordinator, confirming a calendar conflict (an overlap with academic activities at their home institution).
To pass the subject, the four assessment activities must be completed. To be able to take an average, a minimum grade of 4 must be obtained in each activity. The student will receive the grade of "not assessable" provided that they have not submitted more than 30% of the assessment activities.
Retakes will consist of repeating only the tests that were not passed.
At the time of carrying out each assessment activity, the teacher will inform the students (Moodle) of the procedure and date of the review of the grades.
This subject does not include the Single Assessment.
In the event that the student carries out any irregularity that could lead to a significant variation in the grade of an assessment act, this assessment act will be graded 0, regardless of the disciplinary process that may be instructed. In the event that several irregularities occur in the assessment acts of the same subject, the final grade for this subject will be 0.
This subject allows the use of AI technologies exclusively for support tasks such as bibliographic or content-based searches, where applicable. The student must clearly (i) identify which parts have been generated using AI technology; (ii) specify the tools used; and (iii) include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency regarding the use of AI in the assessed activity will be considered academic dishonesty; the corresponding grade may be lowered, or the work may even be awarded a zero. In cases of greater infringement, more serious action may be taken.
Bibliography
ALFÖLDY, Geza (1987), Historia social de Roma, Alianza, Madrid (reed. ampliada i actualitzada, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 2012).
BEARD, Mary (2016), SPQR: una historia de la antigua Roma, Crítica, Madrid.
BRADLEY, Keith (1998), Esclavitud y sociedad en Roma, Península, Barcelona.
BROWN, Peter (1989), El mundo en la Antigüedad tardía, Taurus, Madrid.
CANTARELLA, Eva (1997), Pasado próximo. Mujeres romanas de Tácita a Sulpicia, Cátedra, Valencia.
CAMERON, Averil (1998), El mundo mediterráneo en la Antigüedad Tardía, 395-600, Crítica, Barcelona.
CAMERON, Averil (2001) El Bajo Imperio Romano: 284-430 d.C., Encuentro, Madrid.
CHRISTOL, Michel, NONY, Daniel (1992), De los orígenes de Roma a las invasiones bárbaras, Akal, Madrid.
CORNELL, Timothy (1999), Los orígenes de Roma (c. 1000-264 aC), Crítica, Barcelona.
DAVID, Jean-Michel (2000), La République romaine de la deuxième guerre punique à la bataille d'Actium, Seuil, París.
ECKSTEIN, Arthur (2006), Mediterranean Anarchy, Interstate War, and the Rise of Rome, University of California Press, Berkeley.
ECKSTEIN, Arthur (2008) Rome Enters the Greek East. From Anarchy to Hierarchy in the Hellenistic Mediterranean, 230-170 BC, Blackwell, Oxford (reed. 2012).
ERSKINE, Andrew (2010), Roman Imperialism. Debates and Documents in Ancient History, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh.
GARNSEY, Peter, SALLER, Richard (1991), El Imperio romano. Economía, sociedad y cultura, Crítica, Barcelona.
GIARDINA, Andrea (ed.) (1991), El hombre romano, Madrid.
GOLDSWORTHY, Adrian (2006), Caesar, Life of a Colossus, Yale University Press, New Haven.
GOLDSWORTHY, Adrian (2014) Augusto, de revolucionario a emperador, La Esfera de los libros, Madrid.
LE ROUX, Patrick (2005), L'Empire romain, Presses universitaires de France, París.
LÓPEZ BARJA, Pedro, LOMAS, Francisco Javier (2001), Historia de Roma, Akal, Madrid.
NAVARRO, Milagros (2023), Perfectissima Femina: Femmes de l'élite dans l'Hispanie romaine, Ausonius, Bordeaux.
PINA POLO, Francisco (1999), La crisis de la República (133-44 aC), Síntesis, Madrid.
POMEROY, Sarah B. (1990), Diosas, rameras, esposas y esclavas: mujeres en la antigüedad clásica, Akal, Madrid.
ROLDÁN, José Manuel (1999), Historia de Roma (2 vols.), Cátedra, Madrid.
SYME, Ronald (1989), La revolución romana, Taurus, Madrid.
WARD-PERKINS, Brian (2007), La caída de Roma y el fin de la civilización, Espasa-Calpe, Madrid.
ZANKER, Paul (1992), Augusto y el poder de las imágenes, Alianza, Madrid.
Software
None in particular.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 1 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (TE) Theory | 2 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | morning-mixed |
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 2 | Catalan/Spanish | second semester | morning-mixed |