HS4360: Early Rome: History and Archaeology

School Ancient History
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS4360
External Subject Code 100298
Number of Credits 10
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Ruth Westgate
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

This module covers the early history and archaeology of Rome, from its legendary beginnings in the aftermath of the Trojan War to the first years of the historical Republic. The module uses legendary, literary and archaeological material to construct the story of Rome’s foundation, its emergence as a power in central Italy, the early development of its political and social institutions, and the first indications of its traditional values and ideology.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • demonstrate a knowledge of the different types of evidence available for this period of Roman history, primarily the main literary texts, especially Livy, and the archaeological evidence.
  • demonstrate an appreciation of the historiographical and analytical skills needed to handle these sources.
  • demonstrate an appreciation of the range and potential uses of the archaeological evidence.
  • demonstrate an ability to use these different sources together to assess the main issues in the interpretation of early Rome, such as the role of myth in Roman society, the historical accuracy of the later literary tradition, the nature of the Roman monarchy and its relationship to the wider Italian context.
  • discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

How the module will be delivered

10 lectures and 2 seminars; independent study

The lectures provide an introduction to a particular topic, establishing the key points of major course themes, identifying important issues, and providing guidance for more in-depth reading. They aim to provide a basic framework for understanding, and should be thought of as a useful starting-point for further discussion and independent study. Slides and handouts, where appropriate, are used to illustrate the material discussed.

The seminars provide an opportunity for students to analyse and discuss key issues and topics in the module, and to get feedback on their ideas from the tutor and their peers. Handouts with material for study and suggestions for preparatory reading will be circulated prior to the seminars.

Independent study enables students to familiarise themselves with the primary source material and the most important modern approaches and debates on the subject. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for major themes.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • analysis of a variety of different types of historical evidence, such as literary texts and material evidence
  • assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
  • critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
  • constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
  • clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
  • employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of literary and material evidence
  • bibliographic and referencing skills
  • contributing to group discussions
  • using IT resources effectively
  • independent working and time management

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed through an exam consisting of one essay question and one source criticism exercise, weighted 70:30.

The essay question will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and critical understanding of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to early Roman history and archaeology.

In the source criticism exercise, specific written or material sources relating to the period will be set, and students will have to assess their significance, thus deploying their knowledge of the period and interpretations of it.

Type of assessment

%Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

EXSP

100

Early Rome: History and Archaeology

1.5 hours

spring semester

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will normally be expected to resit the failed component(s) in the summer resit period.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 100 Early Rome: History And Archaeology 1.5

Syllabus content

  • the sources for the period; the perception of early Rome by later Romans and its formative influence on Roman identity
  • the archaeological and literary evidence for the foundation and earliest settlement on the site of Rome
  • the period of the kings from Romulus to the Tarquins; the reforms of Servius Tullius
  • the expulsion of Tarquinius Superbus and the foundation of the Republic; its early years to the battle of Lake Regillus (496 BC)
  • the early constitution of the Republic
  • relations with neighbouring peoples: the Etruscans, the Sabines, the Latins

Essential Reading and Resource List

Livy books 1–5, published by Oxford World's Classics as The Rise of Rome (trans. T.J. Luce) (1998)

A. Carandini, Rome: Day One (2011)

T.J. Cornell, The Beginnings of Rome (1995)

T.J. Cornell and J. Matthews, Atlas of the Roman World (1982)

G. Forsythe, A Critical History of Early Rome (2006)

A. Grandazzi, The Foundation of Rome (1997)

R. Ross Holloway, The Archaeology of Early Rome and Latium (1994)

C.J. Smith, Early Rome and Latium. Economy and Society, c. 1000 to 500 BC (1996)

F.W. Walbank, A.E. Astin, M.W. Frederiksen and R.M. Ogilvie (eds.), The Cambridge Ancient History 7.2. The Rise of Rome to 220 BC (second edition, 1989), chapters 1–3

Background Reading and Resource List

See the module handout for the full reading list.


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