The teaching is organized as follows:

Learning outcomes

Module: MODULO II
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The course consists of two different sections (A and B).

The second part (B: 15 lectures=30 hours=6 CFU9) will consider "Rome and the Near East: from the Parthians to the Sasanians". By reading and studying ancient sources, the course aims to demonstrate how an overall appraisal of documents and evidences of different kinds can lead to: 1) outline the centuries-old history of the relationship and clash between two large imperial competitors for the supremacy in Mesopotamia and neighbouring areas; 2) improve students' knowledge and awareness of the variety and complexity of the ancient near-eastern world; 3) define and focus on the mutual influences which affected both the rival empires in the fields of military strategy and cultural habits as well.


Module: MODULO I
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The course consists of two different sections (A and B).

The first one (A: 15 lectures=30 hours=6 CFU) is intended as an "Introduction to Roman epigraphy". It aims firstly to introduce to the subject of inscriptions and provide some guidance towards reading and understanding the texts (mostly Latin); secondly, it aims to explain how inscriptions make fundamental sources for any thorough study about ancient Roman world.

Program

Module: MODULO II
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The lessons of the second part (B) will be based upon a thorough study of various ancient documents: literary sources (readings from Greek and Latin historians), inscriptions, archaeological evidences. Some main processes will be considered from the late-republican age to the middle-imperial age, and some crucial topics will be especially focused on: the beginnings of Roman presence in the Near-East (from Sulla to Crassus); Augustus' policy towards the Parthians and their allies; the julio-claudian years from nonaggression to the resumption of hostilities; the new Roman expansion under the Antonines and the Severians; the rise of the Sasanians and the Roman military crisis.


Module: MODULO I
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During the first part of the course (A) the focus will be upon: the inscribing craft; how to understand and date Roman inscriptions; the survival of epigraphic texts and the history of epigraphy; the historical value of Roman inscriptions. Inscriptions will be read and translated, chosen among texts dating both to the republican and imperial ages (1st cent. B.C.-3rd cent. A. D.) and concerning: Roman republican and imperial society; politics, government, and administration of both the Republic and the Empire.

Examination Methods

Module: MODULO II
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Second section (part B) - Students are expected on one hand to read, translate and comment some of the ancient sources and evidences (as explained by the lecturer), on the other to discuss some of the suggested readings. A careful study of a good handbook of Roman history is requested as well (limited to sections from middle-Republican to early imperial ages, i.e. 1st century BC - 2nd century AD).
A choice of ancient sources will be handed out by the lecturer and secondary literature about the main topics will be suggested.


Module: MODULO I
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Fist section (part A) - The oral exam will be based on: 1) analyzing two inscriptions from the documents illustrated by the lecturer; 2) commenting on the inscription studied by personal choice; 3) explaining a carefully studied subject from the indicated chapters of the textbook.