Ancient Roman City: Pompeii and Beyond

The ancient Classical city reached its highest expression during the Roman Empire, when monumental public and private buildings created an elaborate stage for the enactment of civic life. In this course we will study the layout and architecture of Roman cities, 200 BCE - 500 CE, including the form and function of numerous building types. We will discuss political, religious, commercial, and private institutions, and analyze their influence on the built environment. We will focus on influential emperors such as Augustus, Hadrian, and Constantine, and on links between ancient and modern urbanism. Sites of study will include Pompeii, Rome, Ostia, Leptis Magna, Antioch, and Constantinople. 3 hrs. lect.