Module description
Chariot racing, gladiatorial combat, athletic performance, often violent, as well as the theatre and other forms of popular entertainment played a major part as spectacles in the lives of the citizens of the Roman empire throughout antiquity. By virtue of their close connections with other central areas of ancient life, including religious belief and practice, economic organisation, political power and patronage or the construction of political and/or ethnic identity, the forms taken by entertainment in any region or period are very revealing of contemporary concerns and values.
This module will explore the ancient evidence for Roman entertainment and spectacle from the Republic to late Antiquity, including a wide range of archaeological evidence, including art, architecture and inscriptions, as well as texts. It investigates ancient attitudes to spectacles as well as the responses of modern scholars to an aspect of Roman culture which has caused difficulties for advocates of the Classical world as epitomising civilised values. For students in Classics it builds on their understanding of Roman material and visual culture and of the relevant historical context established by first year core modules.
Assessment details
Coursework
1 x essay of 2,000 words (70%); 1 x commentary of 750 words (30%)
Teaching pattern
10 x 2-hour seminars (weekly)