Rome: from Republic to Empire - 120 BC to 20 AD
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
This course has now started
Course Code: RC558
Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course will seek to describe and explain the changes from Republic to Empire. Though the main focus will be on the last century of the Republic, the early history of Rome and the early Principate will also be covered.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
The sweep of Roman history from the Punic Wars to the reign of Tiberius will be covered in this eleven-week course. Provisional lesson titles:
1. The expansion of Roman power in the Mediterranean
2. The effects of expansion on class relationships
3. The workings and undermining of the Roman Constitution
4. From the Gracchi to the First Civil War and the failed reconstruction of Sulla
5. The status and use of slaves and their uprisings
6. The First Triumvirate: Crassus, Pompey, Caesar
7. The life and significance of Cicero
8. The Second Civil War: Caesar v Pompey
9. From the death of Caesar to the death of Antony
10. The Augustan Settlement
11. After Augustus.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
By the end you will have a broad understanding of a set of political changes that continue to shape how the various peoples of Western Civilisation see themselves and each other.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to everyone and does not assume any previous knowledge on the topic. As the course is taught in English, please read the outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support with your English skills to help you take part fully in this class.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be fully on-line, and there is no preparation work needed.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring writing material.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Any other class on ancient civilisations. See the website for details.
Sean has been teaching Greek and Latin for a very long time, and he loves what he does. While not doing that, he's made the time to write around forty books. These include twelve historical novels, by "Richard Blake," and published by Hodder & Stoughton. They also include editions of Book VI of "The Aeneid," the "Historia Langobardorum" of Paul the Deacon, and various parts of St Jerome's Latin version of The New Testament. One of his science fiction novels was nominated for the 2015 Prometheus Award.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
