This course will introduce you to life in ancient and classical Greece and Rome through a survey of the period’s art, architecture, archaeological artifacts, and ancient texts (in translation). Often when we study the ancient Greco-Roman world, the focus is on famous historical events, political leaders, and their many monumental buildings and works of art. This course instead explores the social history and culture of those living within ancient Greece and Rome, by examining the everyday lives of men, women, and children across from all walks of life – rural to urban, rich to poor.

This course is organized both chronologically and thematically, forming two overarching units: 1. Daily Life in Ancient Greece and 2. Daily Life in Ancient Rome. Through these units we will discover how people of the ancient Mediterranean lived in the past: What did they eat? What did their homes, cities and towns look like? How did they bathe? How did they practice their religions? What hobbies and entertainment did they enjoy? What were the fashions of the day? How did their economy function? By answering these questions, we will draw parallels not only between life in Greek and Roman society and the wider ancient world, but also between antiquity and the modern world we live in today.

Weekly readings will come from a variety of scholarly sources including journal articles, public scholarship podcasts, field reports, and academic books available as PDF’s/weblinks on the course Canvas page, or as e-books via the SFU Library.

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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