Course overview
The world of the Roman Empire was culturally and geographically diverse with a 'globalised' economy. This course explores this internationalised world, and the effects of cultural interactions between Rome and her neighbours and subjects by focussing on the archaeological evidence from a selection of cities along the famous silk and spice route(s) that led eastwards, beyond the borders of the Empire. What does the rich cultural diversity of cities such as Dura-Europus in Syria or Alexandria in Egypt tell us about Roman provincial life, about the processes by which cultures evolve? The first part of the course will provide background to two themes: 1) the Hellenistic origins of these cities, and 2) 'mainstream' trends in Roman material culture of the 1st-3rd centuries AD. We will then explore in detail the architecture, sculpture, pottery and other forms of material culture from cities made famous by the spice and silk routes. These include Palmyra, Dura-Europus, Petra and of course Alexandria. Sites beyond Rome's borders may also be included (such as Hatra). Some classes will be held in the Museum of Classical Archaeology. Students will benefit from having completed The Art and Archaeology of Rome, and a certain basic knowledge of the earlier period will be assumed. Note that regular attendance at lectures and tutorials is compulsory, since all contain images which may be included in exams.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify the key elements of material culture - art, architecture and artefacts - which are typical of the cultures of cities in the eastern Roman empire along the silk and spice routes, from the 1st c BC to (approximately) the 3rd century AD
- Demonstrate a scholarly approach to and apply appropriate methodology for the archaeological interpretation of material evidence
- Understand the key problems and issues in identifying the nature and role of the so-called “silk route” and “spice route” out of the Roman empire
- Address wider questions of the ancient Roman economy, cultural interactions and the processes of cultural change using archaeological evidence
- Engage productively and respectfully with their peers via problem solving and the sharing of information
- Use learning technologies relevant to the University’s learning environment