Introductory description

This module will look at the art and architecture of some of the major cities of Roman Asia Minor (modern Turkey) including Ephesus, Aphrodisias and Hierapolis. The chronological span will be from the first century B.C. through to the fourth century A.D. Focussing on civic monuments such as nymphaea, 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 continuity of Greek culture and the influence of Roman power on cities 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.

Sample syllabus, precise topics per week may vary:
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
Assessed Presentations

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, including describing and interpreting the composition, style and iconography of a range of ancient monuments and art-works
• 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
• demonstrate the ability to set their findings into a wider comparative context, drawing in other aspects of the study of the ancient world
• Demonstrate the ability to seek out appropriate secondary literature and show discernment in the types of primary evidence addressed.

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
• The ability to set their findings into a wider comparative context, drawing in other aspects of the study of the ancient world
• The ability to seek out appropriate secondary literature and show discernment in the types of primary evidence addressed.

Transferable skills

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