Introductory description

This module will look at the art and architecture of some of the major cities in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) including Ephesus, Pergamum, Aphrodisias and Halicarnassus. The chronological span will be from the sixth century B.C. through to the fourth century A.D. Focussing on civic monuments such as temples, theatres and bath complexes, we will look at both continuities and changes within this period. The material will be examined from a variety of perspectives, looking at the influence of the changing political systems in Asia Minor and considering artistic development, the role of elite benefaction and the use of civic monuments to create and reinforce local identities. As well as detailed study of plans and extant monuments, students will be encouraged to look at literary and epigraphic sources, to place these monuments into their cultural, political and social contexts.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Illustrative syllabus (NB precise topics per week may vary)
Wk 1 Lecture: Introduction, terms and techniques; Wk 2 Lecture: Archaic and Classical Temples Wk 3 Lecture: Hellenistic Temples, Dedications and Votives; The place of Asia Minor in the History of Greek Art Wk 4 Lecture: Lycia and its Tombs; Seminar: Dedications and Votives; Wk 5 Lecture: The Hecatomnids Wk 6 Seminar on site at the British Museum: The Nereid Monument and the Mausoleum Wk 7 Lecture: The Mausoleum and its successors Wk 8 Lecture: Cities and civic life Wk 9 Lecture: The Rise of Pergamum; Seminar: The Great Altar of Pergamum Wk 10: Student Presentations (all students)
Term 2:
Wk 1 Lecture: The arrival of Rome and the urban landscape Wk 2 Lecture: Euergetism I – Zoilos and Aphrodisias Wk 3 Lecture: Cities and the Emperor: The imperial cult and beyond Wk 4 Euergetism ii: Nympheae Seminar: The Sebasteion of Aphrodisias Wk 5 Lecture: Baths, the Gymnasium and Entertainment Wk 6 reading week: no lecture Wk 7 Lecture and Seminar: Festivals and Civic Identity Wk 8 Lecture: The Second Sophistic and the Greek Renaissance; Cities, rivalries and Myths Wk 9 Lecture: Death and Commemoration Seminar: Euergetism III - Civic Monuments Wk 10 Lecture: Asia Minor in Late Antiquity
Term 3:
Revision
Seminar presentations (from students on 15 CAT version)

Learning outcomes

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

• Have enhanced their research, writing and communication skills
• Have developed skills of visual analysis
• Have critical awareness of the advantages and limitations of visual material in the study of the ancient world.
• Have the ability to evaluate the merits of different methodological approaches to the material

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

By the end of the module students should be able to show skills of visual analysis by:

• describing and interpreting the composition, style and iconography of a range of ancient monuments and art-works
• commenting on the integration of words and images on public monuments
  They will also be able to show the following intellectual skills:
• Critical awareness of the advantages and limitations of visual material in the study of the ancient world.
• The ability to evaluate the merits of different methodological approaches to the material
• The ability to select and present material clearly and with a coherent argument both verbally and in writing

Transferable skills

• critical thinking
• problem solving
• active lifelong learning
• communication
• information literacy
• professionalism