The Roman Countryside

This subject provides a wide-ranging overview of both overall trends and regional differences in Roman rural occupation and economy between the Archaic period and Late Antiquity. Primarily based on archaeological data, students will be introduced to the key topics in the field, including different forms of rural settlement (villas, farms, villages), the agricultural and non-agricultural economy, Roman colonization and the role of infrastructure. Although the main focus will be on the Italian peninsula, attention will also be drawn to developments in the Roman provinces. This subject is for students admitted to fourth-year Honours or Graduate Diploma (Advanced) in Ancient World Studies or Classics; or admission to Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Certificate (Advanced) in Classical Studies and Archaeology; or, permission of the subject coordinator.

探讨古罗马乡村的社会、经济与文化。

• 1Apply the main methods to study the Roman countryside
• 2Assess the complexity and regional diversity of Roman rural occupation and the rural economy
• 3Reflect on the main theories and debates in the field and be able to assess their strengths and weaknesses
• 4Evaluate how archaeological evidence from Roman rural sites has been interpreted through various theoretical lenses, and propose new lines of inquiry or alternative frameworks for understanding the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of the Roman countryside.