Roman Art and Archaeology

The art and architecture of the Roman world set precedents that would persist for thousands of years, and a careful consideration of these traditions guides our study in this course. In addition to exploring Etruscan and Greek backgrounds and the rediscovery of the ancient world, we examine both the monumental and the modest remains of the ancient Roman world, from the center to the periphery, focusing on a variety of ancient remains, including architecture, sculpture, paintings, and mosaics. We explore the progression of styles and forms while positioning our sources in their appropriate cultural and historical contexts. We consistently highlight the integral role that visual media played in daily life and the power of images to affect behavior in the ancient world.

Last taught: Fall 2017 at Pitzer College

Resources: Syllabus | Schedule

Special thanks to Michelle Berenfeld for sharing materials that helped me develop Roman Art and Archaeology.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me for access to additional resources pertaining to this course.