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Roman Archaeology: Ancient pasts, current issues - ARC00136M

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  • Department: Archaeology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module studies the archaeology and heritage of the Roman world. Through a variety of materials and themes, we will trace the development and physical manifestation of Rome as an urban power, its colonisation of the Mediterranean, and its effect on societies it came in contact with. It will do so using recent developments in archaeological methods and theory.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

  • To introduce students to current archaeological debates in Roman archaeology

  • To critically evaluate different types of archaeological and historical evidence for the ideological, political and cultural development of Rome and to explore its impact on societies

  • To explore a range of themes related to Rome and its place within the world

  • To develop research, analytical and presentation skills

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module the students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of Roman culture and its expression in the Mediterranean and Europe

  • Critically assess primary data of different types, including those drawn from material culture, documentary sources, iconographic representations, and archaeological science

  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the archaeology of Roman sites and monuments, as exemplified in a selection of case studies

  • Evaluate critically upon a range of interpretations of archaeological and historical evidence

  • Convey complex ideas in an analytical framework through essay writing

Module content

The module has a dual aim: (1) to study theRoman world and its incredible diversity through the use of an (interdisciplinary) archaeological lens, and (2) to critically review current issues surrounding archaeological interpretation and Roman heritage that has known such a long history of appropriation.

The Roman past has been used to embellish Renaissance palaces, endorse politics from post-American Independence to Fascist Italy, used in global education and filling museum spaces. Because of its long-lived interest and appropriation we need to disentangle through critical reflection, but also through new means of thinking about and analysis of the archaeological remains. Current methods and theories ranging from digital archaeology, archaeological science, heritage and museum studies, and anthropological theory will be used to reflect and think about new ways to study Roman archaeology. And for this we also need you! All MA/MSc backgrounds are welcome, from your own expertise you will approach a range of themes and methods, which will culminate in your own engaged-archaeology essay.

The themes in the module reflect a broad range of issues, material, and places, that showcase the diversity of the Roman world as well as the interdisciplinary toolkit necessary to study it. We will look at architecture, coins, Roman concrete, wall paintings, inscriptions, food remains, skeletal evidence in order to get a grip on cultural and social diversity, mobility, and interaction. The module will explore key sites in Roman Italy, Anatolia and Greece, North Africa, Egypt, as well as Roman Britain and the western European Empire. Teaching will comprise interactive lectures, seminars, workshops and field trips.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Formative: oral feedback from module leaders

Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy

Indicative reading

  • Irene Selsvold, Lewis Webb, 2020. Beyond the Romans: Posthuman Perspectives in Roman Archaeology. Oxbow.

  • David Mattingly, 2023, Between Sahara and Sea: Africa in the Roman Empire, Michigan University Press

  • Van Oyen A, & Pitts, M. (eds.) 2017. Materialising Roman Histories. Oxford, Oxbow


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.