Programme

Roman History DISCIPLINARY FIELD: L-ANT/03 (Roman History)
The bachelor course in Roman History is divided into two modules (72 hours = 6+6 ECTS):
The module I: Prof. P. Porena, "Critical paths of Roman History" (36 hours, 6 ECTS).
Module II: Prof. Marcone (a monographic topic chosen by the teacher; 36 hours, 6 ECTS).

Preamble: with regard to the module of Roman History I - Bachelor, will be held in the first semester by prof. P. Porena, from OCTOBER 2021 to approx. half NOVEMBER 2021 (except unforeseen) [up today, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 13-15 hours, classroom to be determined]. Then from half NOVEMBER 2021 to DECEMBER 2021 follows seamlessly the module II of Roman History held by prof. A. Marcone.

Description of the First module of the course of ROMAN HISTORY (prof. P. Porena): "Critical paths of Roman History"
It is hardly possible to summarize Roman history, since it extends along a long time frame and involves different and wide geographical and cultural spaces. Moreover Roma egemony has produced a variety of experiences and transformations. The course is meant to underline, through the analysis of literary, epigraphic and artistics sources, the original characters of Roman history, in order also to neutralize some chichés and commonplaces about the ancient Rome, which depends on deeply rooted preconceptions.

Core Documentation

▪ TEXTS for students who attend the course:
- G. GERACI, A. MARCONE, Storia romana, Le Monnier, (nuova edizione) Firenze 2011 (editio minor);
- G. GERACI, A. MARCONE, Fonti per la storia romana, Le Monnier, Firenze 2006 ;
- Atlante Storico, De Agostini, Novara 2003 or another edition;
(further suggestions for optional in-depth bibliography will be provided by the teacher at the beginning of the course)

▪ ADDITIONAL TEXTs for students who do not attend the course:
- A. Giardina (a cura di), L’uomo romano, Roma-Bari (Laterza) (1989) 2008.

It is possible to ask for bibliography in English, French and German and take the exam in one of these three languages

Type of delivery of the course

▪ SEMESTER : FIRST (October - november 2021). ▪ START OF LESSONS : first week of October 2021. Classroom lessons if possible, teaching with the help of xerocopias (PDF) and Power Point slides (45’ + 45’ lesson). The module will examine the salient moments and characteristics of the process of construction by the city of Rome of a world hegemony, and its destructuring (8th century BC - 6th century AD). Through the analysis of literary, epigraphic and artistic sources, the originality and style of the history of Rome will be highlighted. The student will acquire the methodological tools for the study of Roman history and a knowledge of its entire development. They will also acquire knowledge of the monographic treatment of specific themes and problems of Roman history, as well as of specific historical processes of long duration examined in the light of contemporary historiography. The language is Italian, but it is possible to get programs with texts in English, French, German and Spanish.

Attendance

Attendance is not compulsory, but it is advisable to attend at least half of the lessons. In the case of overlaps with other lessons, it is advisable to share notes with other students attending.

Type of evaluation

Written paper currently possible in presence in a classroom in the Department of Humanistic Studies (Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, via Ostiense, 234 - Rome). The written exam consists of twenty closed questions on chronology; three texts to be completed on three episodes of Roman history; five open questions on topics of eventual, institutional, political and social history. The written exam can be written in Italian or in a language chosen from English, French, German or Spanish. The calendar of exams and the examination room will be indicated on the website and on the teacher's board. In the exam the teacher asks the candidate questions to assess his knowledge of the main events of Roman history, the ability to place them chronologically and to periodize Roman history. In addition, the candidate's ability to move in the evolution of society, economy, culture, and administrative, civil and military structures of the Romans is evaluated. The teacher assesses the candidate's ability to link the exposure to ancient sources (literary, epigraphic, papirological, legal). He also assesses the expressive competence and the use of appropriate technical language.