Roman Art and Archaeology from Coursera

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Introduction to 'Roman Art and Archaeology'

Here you can find all of the introductory information, course syllabus, and helpful resources.

The Early Romans and Their Ancestors (ca. 1000 - 500 BCE)

In the Early Iron Age (ca. 1000 BCE), civilization in Italy was rather simple. The most sophisticated cultures in the peninsula were not the Romans at all, but rather groups to the north of Rome who have come to be called The Villanovans, who exploited the metal resources of northern Italy even before the officially noted founding of Rome. Later the Etruscans would appear (ca. 800 BCE), Rome's first great rivals. The Etruscans were a loose confederation of city-states north of Rome who even expanded into Rome and further south, as far as Pompeii. The Etruscans are particularly noted for their magnificent art, in particular the glorious painted tombs of Tarquinia.

The Roman Republic's Rise and Fall (509 - 31 BCE)

Having thrown off the Etruscans in 509 BCE., Rome emerged as independent Latin community that quickly became known for its disciplined army and militaristic intentions. As the Romans expanded throughout the Mediterranean, it came into contact with various cultures, all who had an influence on the young power, especially Greek culture, art, and architecture. By the end of this period Rome may have grown to a million people. The first century BCE. was a time of amazing development in many fields of artistic endeavor, but it was also a time of civil unrest as soldiers became more loyal to their commanders than to the state. Leaders such as Sulla, Marius, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and others took advantage of this turmoil, which culminated with the powerful influence of the decadent Egyptian charmer Cleopatra and the emergence of Octavian.

Augustus and the Early Roman Empire (31 BCE - 1st century CE)

Augustus - formerly known as Octavian - set the tone for the next major phase of Rome: the Roman empire. His family-related successors, the Julio-Claudians, would continue his rule. Yet none of his successors had the charisma or vision of Augustus himself, and some such as Caligula and Nero have become synonymous with profligacy and decadence of an extreme nature. By the year 69 CE. Rome was in chaos. But the emperor Vespasian restored order and dignity - not to mention humility - to the office, and instituted his own dynasty, the Flavians. Unfortunately, Vespasian's second son, Domitian, brought his Flavian dynasty to an end through dreadful administration. Domitian was murdered in 96 CE.

Rome at its Zenith (2nd century CE)

Rome is said to have reached its zenith in security and expansion during the period of the "Five Good Emperors" (96 to 180 CE.). The time of Trajan (98 to 117 CE.) was a particular epoch of conquest and building, highlighted by the construction of Trajan's Markets and enormous Forum, the ruins of which still dominate the center of Rome. Trajan's successor, Hadrian, was a horse of a different color. He was himself an architect obsessed with circles, squares, spheres, and cubes. And his fondness for Greek art bordered on manic.

Crisis and Conclusion (3rd to 7th centuries CE)

What does it mean to talk about the fall of Rome? The far-flung empire collapsed in varying degrees in different places at different times. In the fourth century enormous earthquakes caused such devastation that in the Roman east the whole fabric of ancient religious belief was called into question. In central Italy along the Tiber River an epidemic of malaria, a virulent new-mutated strain from North Africa, left many dead. The legacy of Rome, however, continued into the Carolingian and Byzantine empires. And yet the city of Rome underwent a major revival in the later Middle Ages, continuing through the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Romantic Periods, playing a major role in the foundation of our own country.

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Teaches the history of ancient Rome from its origins to its fall, which is a foundational topic for understanding modern history

Introduces learners to key figures, including emperors, who played significant roles in the Roman Empire

Provides insights into the expansion of ancient Rome geographically and culturally, which is valuable for understanding the influence of ancient Rome on modern civilization

Examines the art, culture, and architecture of ancient Rome and its impact on Western civilization

Develops an understanding of the rise and fall of ancient Rome, which is a valuable historical case study

Taught by David Soren, an experienced instructor in ancient Roman history, archaeology, and art

Reviews summary

Intriguing roman art and archeology

learners say Roman Art and Archaeology is an intriguing course that engagingly presents the scale and breadth of the Roman Empire through its art and archaeology. According to students, Dr. Soren, the course instructor, is an expert who expertly brings ancient history to life through guest lectures, interviews, video excerpts, and even recreations of ancient Rome. Students note that the course effectively examines the evolution of Roman art and archaeology from the beginning of the Roman Empire to its eventual decline.

The course is delivered in an engaging way, with a mix of lectures, readings, and videos.

"His lectures were always of appropriate length and the variety of film clips and guest lecturers enhanced the content of the course."

"The idea and achieved objective of this course, at least to me, is to not see Ancient Rome like past events written down in a book, it really searches to contextualize how life was back in those times, how all of the social classes lived, how artesany was thought and how technology improvements affected Rome through the centuries."

The course provides a comprehensive overview of Roman art and archaeology, from the early days of the Roman Republic to the fall of the Roman Empire.

"This course takes us on a journey from the very beginning of the ancient Roman world till the very end."

"The course is really interesting, and I also loved the way in which Dr. Soren explains everything."

"It was an excellent broad overview of Rome."

Dr. Soren is a renowned expert in Roman archaeology and an engaging instructor.

"Dr Soren classes are very informative, with interesting slides and video excerpts to help students to be located in space and time."

"It's extremely rewarding to be able to follow along with the knowledge and perceptions of such a lifelong explorer."

"As a person from different discipline, I found the content easy to understand, enjoyable and informative."

Quizzes can be challenging, but they are a good way to test your understanding of the material.

"Excellent material well presented. My only complaint is that the quizzes were ridiculously simple."

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 Roman Art and Archaeology with these activities:

Review your notes from previous history courses

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Recall and reinforce your existing knowledge of Roman history.

Browse courses on Ancient Rome

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Gather your notes from previous history courses.
Review your notes.
Make any necessary updates or additions.

Read 'The History of Rome' by Theodor Mommsen

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Understand the broader historical context of ancient Rome.

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Gather your materials.
Read the introduction.
Read the chapters in order.
Take breaks as needed.
Make notes as you read.

Research Roman history

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Review some key aspects of the history of Ancient Rome, such as the founding of the city, the rise of the Republic, and the establishment and fall of the Empire.

Browse courses on Roman History

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Seven other activities

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Practice Roman numerals

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Practice converting Roman numerals to Hindu-Arabic numerals and vice versa.

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Find a website or app that generates Roman numeral conversion problems.
Practice converting Roman numerals to Hindu-Arabic numerals multiple times.
Practice converting Hindu-Arabic numerals to Roman numerals multiple times.

Watch Professor Hart's 'Fall of the Roman Empire' lectures

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Get an overview of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire with expert guidance.

Browse courses on Roman Empire

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Find the lectures online.
Set aside time to watch the lectures.
Take notes during the lectures.
Review the lectures later.

Practice identifying Roman emperors on online quizzes

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Improve your recognition and recall of Roman emperors.

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Find online quizzes.
Take the quizzes multiple times.
Review your results and learn from your mistakes.

Join a study group to discuss course topics

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Engage with peers and gain different perspectives on course material.

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Find or create a study group.
Meet regularly to discuss course topics.
Share notes, ideas, and questions.
Prepare for exams and assignments together.

Create a timeline of key events in Roman history

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Visualize and understand the chronology of major events in Roman history.

Browse courses on Roman History

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Gather information about key events.
Create a timeline using a tool or template.
Add the events to the timeline in chronological order.
Review and refine your timeline.

Write a short essay on the causes of the Punic Wars

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Apply your understanding to analyze a specific aspect of Roman history.

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Research the Punic Wars.
Identify the main causes of the wars.
Write an outline for your essay.
Draft your essay.
Revise and edit your essay.

Contribute to the Wikipedia page on 'Ancient Rome'

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Engage with the scholarly community and deepen your understanding of ancient Rome.

Browse courses on Ancient Rome

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Create a Wikipedia account.
Find the Wikipedia page on 'Ancient Rome'.
Identify an area where you can contribute.
Write your contribution and cite your sources.
Submit your contribution for review.

Career center

Learners who complete Roman Art and Archaeology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Professor

A Professor is responsible for teaching and research in a college or university. They typically have a PhD in their field. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Roman art and archaeology, which will be essential for your success as a Professor.

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Art historian

An Art Historian is responsible for the study of the history of art, including its techniques, styles, and meanings. They typically work in museums, galleries, or universities. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman art and architecture, which will be essential for your success as an Art Historian.

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Research Associate

A Research Associate is responsible for conducting research under the supervision of a senior researcher. They typically work in universities, research institutes, or museums. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Roman art and archaeology, which will be essential for your work as a Research Associate.

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Curator

A Curator is responsible for the care and management of museum collections. They typically work in museums, galleries, or historical societies. This course will provide you with a broad understanding of Roman art and archaeology, which will be essential for your work as a Curator.

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Museum Educator

A Museum Educator is responsible for developing and delivering educational programs for museum visitors. They typically work in museums, galleries, or historical societies. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman art and archaeology, which will be essential for your work as a Museum Educator.

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Archaeologist

An Archaeologist is responsible for the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts. This course in Roman Art and Archaeology will provide you with a strong foundation in the history, culture, and art of ancient Rome, which will be invaluable in your work as an Archaeologist.

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Historian

Historians study the past. They typically have a PhD in History. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman history, which will be essential for your success as a Historian.

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Architect

Architects design buildings and other structures. They typically have a Master's degree in Architecture. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman architecture, which will be essential for your success as an Architect.

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Architectural Historian

Architectural Historians study the history of architecture. They typically have a PhD in Architectural History. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman architecture, which will be essential for your success as an Architectural Historian.

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Art dealer

Art Dealers buy and sell works of art. They typically have a strong knowledge of art history. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman art, which will be essential for your success as an Art Dealer.

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Art Therapist

Art Therapists use art to help people improve their mental and emotional health. They typically have a Master's degree in Art Therapy. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman art, which will be helpful in your work as an Art Therapist.

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Journalist

Journalists write and report on news and current events. They typically have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism or a related field. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman history and culture, which will be helpful in your work as a Journalist.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and use information. They typically have a Master's degree in Library Science. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman history and culture, which will be helpful in your work as a Librarian.

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Foreign Service Officer

Foreign Service Officers represent the United States abroad. They typically have a Master's degree in International Relations or a related field. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Roman history and culture, which will be helpful in your work as a Foreign Service Officer.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologists study the culture and society of different groups of people. They typically have a PhD in Cultural Anthropology. This course will provide you with a broad understanding of Roman culture, which will be helpful in your work as a Cultural Anthropologist.

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