*Coupon code for $10 off your first class until December 12, 2024: KENNAH22210*

Have you ever wondered about the secrets of the Roman Empire, one of history's most powerful civilizations? This course will be your time machine, transporting you across centuries to explore its remarkable story.

Through engaging lectures, informative PowerPoints, and thought-provoking videos, we'll delve into the Empire's rise from a small city-state to a vast and influential power. We'll witness the dramatic shift from Republic to Empire, and experience the Golden Age under emperors like Augustus.

Uncover the daily lives of Roman citizens and slaves, the thrill of gladiatorial games, and the impact of religion on this complex society. Analyze Rome's military strategies as they conquer vast territories, and explore the internal and external pressures that threatened the Empire's stability.

Discover the rise of Christianity that challenged traditional beliefs, and the reforms undertaken to maintain control. We'll discuss the factors that led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire and its lasting impact.

But the story doesn't end there!  We'll also explore the continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire, its legacy, and how Roman law, government, architecture, engineering, and language continue to shape our world today.

This course is designed to be interactive.  I encourage you to ask questions, participate in lively discussions, and share your insights.  Through lectures, video clips, and in-class activities, we'll embark on a dynamic learning journey together, uncovering the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire!

Syllabus:

*Week 1: Introduction to Ancient Italy: Geography, Etruscans, and Early Romans.
*Week 2: The Founding of Rome: Myth and History, Romulus & Remus, Etruscan Influence.
*Week 3: The Roman Kingdom: Monarchy, Social Classes (Patricians & Plebeians), and Early Laws.
*Week 4: The Establishment of the Republic: Transition from Monarchy, Power Struggle between Classes.
*Week 5: The Punic Wars: Conflict with Carthage, Military Strategies, and Rise of Roman Power.
*Week 6: Expansion and Conquest: Roman Republic's Expansion Strategy, From Italy to the Mediterranean.
*Week 7: The Social Structure of the Republic: Patricians, Plebeians, Slaves, and the Rise of the Equestrian Class.
*Week 8: The Crisis of the Republic: Social and Political Unrest, The Gracchi brothers, and Calls for Reform.
*Week 9: Roman Religion and Mythology: Gods, Beliefs, and their Influence on Roman Life.
*Week 10: The Rise of Powerful Generals: Marius, Sulla, and the Shift in Power Dynamics.
*Week 11: Julius Caesar: Military Genius, Political Reforms, and Assassination.
*Week 12: The Aftermath of Caesar's Assassination: Civil War, Octavian, and Mark Antony.
*Week 13: The Fall of the Republic: The Second Triumvirate and the Rise of Octavian.
*Week 14: The Birth of the Roman Empire: Octavian becomes Augustus, Transition from Republic to Empire.
*Week 15: Pax Romana: The Golden Age of the Roman Empire, Peace and Prosperity.
*Week 16: The Julio-Claudian Dynasty: Augustus' Successors, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.
*Week 17: The Flavian Dynasty: The Colosseum, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.
*Week 18: The Five Good Emperors: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius - Philosophy and Rule.
*Week 19: The Roman Army: Structure, Legions, Technology, and Life of a Soldier.
*Week 20: Roman Engineering and Architecture: Aqueducts, Roads, Colosseum, and Lasting Innovations.
*Week 21: Daily Life in Ancient Rome: Rich vs Poor, Entertainment (Gladiatorial Games, Theater), and Education.
*Week 22: The Rise of Christianity: Early Christian Beliefs, Persecution, and Spread of the Religion.
*Week 23: The Crisis of the Third Century: Economic Woes, Invasions, and Political Instability.
*Week 24: The Dominate: Diocletian's Reforms, Tetrarchy, and the Rise of Absolute Rule.
*Week 25: Constantine the Great: Conversion to Christianity, Building Constantinople, and Unifying the Empire.
*Week 26: The Division of the Empire: The Western and Eastern Roman Empires.
*Week 27: The Problems of the Western Roman Empire: Barbarian Invasions, Weak Emperors, and Economic Decline.
*Week 28: The Huns: Attila the Hun and the Pressure on the Western Empire.
*Week 29: The Fall of Rome: 476 CE, Odoacer, and Symbolic End of the Western Roman Empire.
*Week 30: The Legacy of the Western Roman Empire: Influence on Law, Government, and Language.
*Week 31: The Byzantine Empire: The Continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire (Focus on Justinian, Iconoclasm).
*Week 32: The Rise of Islam: The Islamic Conquests and Impact on the Byzantine Empire.
*Week 33: The Great Schism: Split between Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Catholic) Christianity.
*Week 34: The Crusades: Military Encounters between Christians and Muslims
*Week 35: The Sack of Constantinople: 1204 CE by the Crusaders and the Weakening of the Byzantine Empire.
*Week 36: The Ottoman Empire: The Rise of the Ottomans and the Fall of Constantinople in 1453.
*Week 37: The Legacy of the Byzantine Empire: Preserving Greco-Roman Culture, and Influence on Eastern Europe and Russia.
*Week 38: Art, Literature, and Philosophy: Roman Contributions to Art, Architecture, Literature (Virgil, Ovid), and Philosophy (Stoicism).
*Week 39: Roman Law: The Twelve Tables, The Corpus Juris Civilis, and Lasting Impact on Legal Systems.
*Week 40: Roman Engineering: Roads, Aqueducts, Bridges, and Urban Planning – Lasting Innovations.
*Week 41: Women in Roman Society: Roles, Rights, and Influence throughout Different Periods.
*Week 42: Slavery in Rome: The Importance of Slaves in the Roman Economy and Society.
*Week 43: Gladiatorial Games: History, Culture, and the Colosseum.
*Week 44: The Roman Senate: Power and Influence throughout Different Periods of the Empire.
*Week 45: The Punic Wars: Detailed Analysis of Strategies, Battles, and Long-Term Impact
*Week 46: Roman Gladiators: Types of Gladiators, Training, and Fighting Styles.
*Week 47: The Roman Baths: Social Function, Architecture, and Importance in Roman Life
*Week 48: The Silk Road: Trade Between the Roman Empire and China
*Week 49: Women in Roman Society:  Evolving Roles, Rights, and Influence
*Week 50: Slavery in Rome:  The Importance of Slaves in the Roman Economy and Society
*Week 51 The Impact of the Roman Empire on the World