This interdisciplinary course combines archaeology, art history, history, literature and sociology to explore a defining moment in the ancient world: Rome at the time of Augustus (c.44 BC-c.14 AD). The students will create an image of the emperor Augustus through his own building projects and writings and assess the role of imperial propaganda in this process. We ask how culture, identity and power were shaped in particular contexts by social factors such as religion, gender, the economy and status, presenting case studies of building projects, review contemporary philosphical ideas and contemporary comment. This interdisciplinary course enables students to develop their skills of analysis and evaluation across a range of ancient source materials.

*Course content subject to change