CLAS 1200 - Legendary Rome: Epic Founders, Wicked Emperors, Saintly Martyrs

(3) Credit Hours

An exploration of the multiple layers of myth that grew up around the city of ancient Rome. Special attention will be given to foundation narratives and images of heroism and anti-heroism in considering the ways in which different legends worked to forge a sense of community and to reinforce a shared set of values in different moments of Rome’s long history. Important primary works will be the primary though not exclusive object of analysis with authors such as Livy, Virgil, Ovid, Horace, Plutarch, Prudentius, and Augustine.