Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah from Coursera

The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah explores one of the most significant Roman monuments to survive from antiquity, from the perspectives of Roman, Jewish and later Christian history and art. The Arch of Titus commemorates the destruction of Jerusalem by the emperor Titus in 70 CE, an event of pivotal importance for the history of the Roman Empire, of Judaism, of Christianity and of modern nationalism.

Together with your guide, Professor Steven Fine, you will examine ancient texts and artifacts, gaining skills as a historian as you explore the continuing significance of the Arch of Titus from antiquity to the very present. Course members will accompany Professor Fine on virtual "fieldtrips" to museums and historical sites in Los Angeles and New York where you will "meet" curators, scholars and artists. You will attend an academic colloquium and even "participate" in office hours. Students will participate in the latest advancement in the study of the Arch - the restoration of its original colors. You will learn how color was used in Roman antiquity and apply that knowledge to complete your own 'color restoration' of the Arch of Titus menorah relief.

What's inside

Syllabus

Why the Arch of Titus Matters

This module introduces the Arch of Titus and the larger themes of the course. Students will begin to view the Arch from the perspectives of Roman and Jewish history, of the victors and the vanquished, and the continuing history of this artifact. They will be sensitized to the presence of imagery related to the Arch in the larger culture, and be able to identity some of that imagery.

The Arch of Titus as a Work of Art

This module explores the Arch of Titus as an artifact. Students will learn to look closely at this and other historical monuments in order to draw out the meanings of its iconography. They will see the Arch and especially its carved relief panels through selected refracting lenses.

The Arch of Titus in History

Roman and Talmudic sources on Titus's triumphal parade in 71 CE will be the focus of this module. Students will read these ancient texts critically and assess the historical value for understanding the Arch and its later reception.

The Arch of Titus from Antiquity to the Modern Era

Students will explore Jewish and Christian perspectives of the Arch and be able to explain how these perceptions affected their experience and interpretation of this artifact. Conversations with scholars and museum "visits" demonstrate a broad range of contemporary perspectives on the Arch and the continued significance of its iconography.

The Arch of Titus in the Modern World

We will explore the ways that moderns have viewed and used the Arch, through the close reading of primary visual and literary sources. "Fieldtrips" and conversations contextualize the search for Arch imagery in our world, and demonstrate ways to recognize this iconography. Students will write a narrative of the Arch in modern times based upon primary literary sources.

The Arch of Titus: Restoring its Color

Recent advances in the study of the original color, polychromy, of ancient Roman art will be presented. Students will learn the reasons for this rethinking of ancient art, and apply this learning to their own restorations of the polychrome of the Arch of Titus menorah panel.

Good to know

Know what's good

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Provides multiple perspectives on a single topic from several disciplines, including Roman, Jewish, and Christian approaches

Provides real-world interaction through virtual field trips to museums and historical sites

Emphasizes historical significance in understanding the impact of the Arch of Titus on various aspects of history

Offers a unique artistic and historical focus on the Arch of Titus and its representation in different mediums

Provides opportunities for hands-on learning through color restoration exercises

Taught by a recognized expert in Roman and Jewish history, Professor Steven Fine

Reviews summary

In-depth history of arch of titus

Learners say that this course offers an in-depth exploration of the Arch of Titus in the context of Roman and religious history. Students describe the lectures as easy to digest and highlight the professor's passion for the subject. Reviews also focus on the course's relevance to understanding mankind's history and its ability to provide new perspectives. Overall, this course is highly recommended for those interested in history, particularly the history of Judaism, Christianity, and theology.

Course emphasizes the relevance of the Arch of Titus to understanding mankind's history.

"Very relevant in mankind's history."

Professor Fine is passionate about the subject and conveys this to students.

"Professor Fine was a great teacher with passion for the subject."

Course provides new and unique perspectives on the Arch of Titus and related history.

"This course opened up my mind to other perceptions of the Arch of Titus."

Professor presents material in an engaging and easy-to-digest manner.

"The Professor has an easy, even really laid back style of presentation."

Course offers in-depth exploration of Arch of Titus and related history.

"An excellent course which before I had no real knowledge of. Opened my mind to want to learn more. Very relevant in mankind's history."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah with these activities:

Watch a YouTube playlist on the history of the Arch of Titus

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Arch of Titus and its historical context.

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Use YouTube to find and add the playlist to your library.
Watch the videos in order by the end of week 2.

Complete 10 multiple-choice quizzes on the Arch of Titus and its historical context

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Assesses understanding of key concepts and provides opportunities for self-evaluation.

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Find or create multiple-choice quizzes on the Arch of Titus and its historical context.
Complete at least 10 quizzes throughout the semester.
Review your results and identify areas for improvement.

Join a study group to discuss different perspectives on the Arch of Titus

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Fosters critical thinking and encourages diverse interpretations of the Arch of Titus.

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Find or create a study group with 2-4 other students.
Choose a topic to discuss related to the Arch of Titus.
Meet regularly to share perspectives and engage in discussion.
Submit a summary of your discussions to the instructor by the end of the semester.

Two other activities

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Create a 3D model of the Arch of Titus using Tinkercad

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Helps visualize and understand the structure and design of the Arch of Titus.

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Sign up for a free Tinkercad account.
Follow a Tinkercad tutorial on 3D modeling basics.
Find reference images or 3D scans of the Arch of Titus.
Start building your 3D model in Tinkercad using basic shapes.
Refine your model by adding details and textures.

Write a blog post or article exploring the significance of the Arch of Titus for a modern audience

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Encourages critical thinking and communication skills, while deepening understanding of the Arch of Titus's relevance today.

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Choose an aspect of the Arch of Titus to focus on.
Research the topic thoroughly using credible sources.
Write an outline for your blog post or article.
Draft your content, making sure to engage your audience and support your claims with evidence.
Edit and proofread your work before publishing.

Career center

Learners who complete Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Professor

Professors teach and conduct research in higher education institutions. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah provides a deep understanding of ancient Roman history, focusing on a pivotal event that shaped the course of the Roman Empire and its relationship with Judaism. This course can enhance a professor's knowledge and expertise in Roman history, enabling them to effectively teach and inspire students.

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Art historian

Art historians study the history of art, analyzing and interpreting artistic works from various periods and cultures. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah provides a comprehensive examination of a significant Roman monument, offering insights into the political, cultural, and religious contexts of ancient art. This course can enhance an art historian's understanding of Roman art and its broader implications.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct original investigations and studies to contribute new knowledge and insights to various fields. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah offers a deep exploration of a key Roman monument, its historical context, and its cultural impact. This course provides researchers with a foundation to ask meaningful questions, analyze data, and develop innovative research projects related to ancient history and its enduring relevance.

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Historian

Historians research and interpret past events, providing insights into human behavior, societal change, and the development of civilizations. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah offers a deep dive into ancient Roman history, focusing on a pivotal event that shaped the course of the Roman Empire and its relationship with Judaism. This course can enhance a historian's understanding of Roman history and its broader implications.

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Theology Professor

Theology professors teach and conduct research in theological schools and universities, exploring religious beliefs, practices, and traditions. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah offers a deep dive into the history of Judaism and its relationship with Roman rule, providing valuable insights into the development of religious thought and practices. This course can enhance a theology professor's understanding of religious history, enabling them to effectively teach and guide students.

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Rabbi

Rabbis are spiritual leaders and teachers in Jewish communities, providing guidance and interpretation of religious texts and traditions. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah offers a unique perspective on the history of Judaism, exploring the impact of the Roman conquest on Jewish identity and religious practices. This course can enhance a rabbi's understanding of Jewish history and help them better serve their congregations.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists study past human societies through the excavation and analysis of material remains. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah provides a comprehensive examination of a significant Roman monument, offering insights into the archaeological methods and techniques used to reconstruct ancient history. This course can enhance an archaeologist's understanding of Roman archaeology and provide valuable knowledge for their research projects.

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Art conservator

Art conservators restore and preserve works of art, ensuring their longevity and accessibility for future generations. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah offers an in-depth examination of an iconic Roman monument, providing insights into the techniques, materials, and artistic styles of antiquity. This knowledge is invaluable for art conservators who work with ancient artifacts.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in various subjects and grade levels, fostering their intellectual and personal growth. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah provides a thorough understanding of ancient Roman history, focusing on a pivotal event that shaped the course of the Roman Empire and its relationship with Judaism. This knowledge enables teachers to effectively incorporate ancient history into their lesson plans, making it more engaging and relevant for students.

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Museum Director

Museum directors oversee the operations and management of museums, ensuring their accessibility, preservation, and educational value. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah offers a comprehensive understanding of a key Roman monument, its historical context, and its cultural impact. This knowledge equips museum directors with the expertise to develop compelling exhibitions, manage collections, and engage with diverse audiences.

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Tour Guide

Tour guides lead groups of visitors through historical sites and landmarks, providing information and insights about the locations' history and significance. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah offers a comprehensive understanding of a key Roman monument, its historical context, and its cultural impact. This knowledge equips tour guides with the expertise to captivate audiences and bring ancient history to life.

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Curator

Curators manage and care for collections of artifacts, artworks, and specimens in museums and other institutions. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah provides a thorough understanding of a key Roman monument, its historical significance, and its cultural impact. This knowledge equips curators with the expertise to interpret and present ancient artifacts to the public.

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Museum Educator

Museum educators develop and deliver educational programs and resources to engage visitors with museum collections and exhibitions. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah provides a comprehensive understanding of a significant Roman monument, its historical context, and its cultural impact. This knowledge allows museum educators to effectively interpret and communicate the importance of ancient artifacts to diverse audiences.

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Archivist

Archivists work to organize and maintain records in institutions such as museums, universities, and government agencies. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah can provide a deep understanding of ancient Roman history, which is crucial for understanding the context of archival documents. The course also emphasizes research skills, which are essential for archivists in locating, retrieving, and interpreting archival materials.

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Writer

Writers create content for various purposes, including books, articles, scripts, and more. The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah provides a deep understanding of ancient Roman history, focusing on a pivotal event that shaped the course of the Roman Empire and its relationship with Judaism. This knowledge can inspire writers to create compelling narratives, historical fiction, or educational materials that engage readers with the richness of ancient history.

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