From the Pont du Gard to the wall paintings of Pompeii, and from Hadrian’s Wall to the Treasury in Petra, ancient Roman art and architecture was remarkably diverse, innovative, and influential. In this six-week exploration of the visual culture of the ancient Romans, we’ll look closely at surviving examples and primary texts and will draw on a range of recent scholarship in investigating major developments in painting, mosaic, sculpture, architecture, urban planning, and engineering between the foundation of Rome in the eighth century b.c.e. and its fall in the fifth century c.e. Along the way, we’ll observe Etruscan and Greek influences, note evolving political and religious symbolisms, consider novel uses of materials, and work to understand Roman art and architecture in relation to their cultural contexts. The course will also include occasional reference to the work of Yale affiliates in the fields of Roman history and art history. No art historical experience is expected or required.

COURSE FORMAT
This is an interactive online seminar course that meets weekly over 6 weeks. Live online sessions will use the zoom platform.

COURSE MATERIALS
This course will have all reading materials supplied by the instructor
Registrants will receive access to the course website and the zoom links about two weeks before the course starts.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY
Registrants can cancel and receive a full refund up to February 26. After February 26, there will be no refunds issued.
Yale Alumni College courses are subject to schedule changes as well as cancellations. If Yale Alumni College must cancel any course prior to its start due to low enrollment, you will be notified of this by the cancellation date. Upon cancellation of a course, registrants may transfer their registration to another available course or have the registration fee fully refunded.

In the event of a disruption to the original course schedule, including but not limited to; Professor absence, hazardous weather conditions, or local travel restrictions, Yale Alumni College will do its best to reschedule the missed class for the week immediately following the original end date at the same course time and day.