The Roman Empire in the age of Augustus

The unit examines aspects of Roman political, social, and cultural history from the crucial period of transition from Republic to Empire (ca. 59 BCE to 69 CE). It focuses on a number of powerful individuals, especially Julius Caesar and the emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty—especially Augustus, Claudius, and Nero—as well as the court that grew up around them–rivals, wives, freed slaves, bodyguards, and the sometimes resentful members of the Roman elite. We explore the life, literature, and material culture of the Roman Empire at its height. Key themes include the fall of the Roman Republic and the creation of an emperor in its place; the literature and material culture of imperial power and resistance; the rise to prominence of powerful groups like the Praetorian Guard, imperial freedmen, and provincial elites; and the realities of Roman rule in the provinces of the empire. To study imperial power and provincial identity, we explore the provinces of Britannia and Judea, examining the events and context of the bloody revolts against Roman power under Boudicca in Britannia and the Jewish-Roman War of 66 CE.