Spectacles of the Ancient world

What is the course about?

Using selected primary sources and modern archaeology, this new course explores some of the most elaborate and powerful displays of the Graeco-Roman world. Put on to entertain, inform, and encourage support, often at times of great political, religious, or cultural change, they were unforgettable, and have long been influential in our own understanding of political and cultural power.

What will we cover?

This course investigates some of the most elaborate and powerful displays of the Graeco-Roman world. Designed to entertain, inform, and elicit support, often at times of great political or religious significance, they were unforgettable, and have long exercised an influence on our own understanding of the nature of power. The course begins with the duel between Paris and Menelaus in Homer’s Iliad, where the heroes fought watched by the two armies and the VIPs on the walls of Troy. We go on to review topics such as the Panathenaia, the Olympic Games, a fabulous Ptolemaic procession, the on-going spectacle of the Roman Games in the Colosseum.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Explain what was most important about each of the spectacles studied and discussed in our course;
Evaluate the varied sources used in our study of ancient spectacles;
Compile a ‘bucket list’ of spectacles you would have liked to see, whether or not we have covered them in our course, and explain why.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No previous knowledge is required, although there will be recommended reading for each session. Books should be available from a library, although you might wish to buy particular texts if you wish to explore a topic further.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The sessions include oral and visual presentations. Discussion is an integral part of each session, and questioning is welcomed. As the course progresses you may wish to contribute a brief account of an aspect of our series of studies to the group, but this is not a requirement. Detailed notes and bibliographies, with suggested topics for reflection and research are provided for the sessions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You may well wish to buy some books to further your study. Although visits may be recommended, involving travel and entrance fees, these are not part of the course itself.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Any other Ancient Civilisations class. See website for details.