12884 - Roman Military History (1)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to explain the developments of the Roman military history. This will be done also by investigating single events, and referring to the political, economic, religious and social history of the Roman civilization. During the course, the latest studies on these subjects will be considered.
The goal is to give the student the ability to reconstruct the evolution of the Roman military reality, through the analysis of ancient sources and modern historiography.

Course contents

- Introduction: sources, history of the studies, issues and methods.
- Features of Roman military history.
-The German limes.

Readings/Bibliography

-G.Brizzi, Il guerriero, l'oplita, il legionario. Gli eserciti nel mondo classico, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2008 (new edition)

  -R.Syme, I confini settentrionali durante il principato di Augusto, in “Università di Cambridge. Storia Antica”, vol. X, 1: L'impero di Augusto 44°.C.-70 d.C., Milano, Il Saggiatore di Alberto Mondadori editore, 1968, pp. 407-450

-G.I. Luzztto, Roma e le province, I: Organizzazione, economia, società,  Bologna, Cappelli editore, 1985, pp. 340-349 (la Germania)

-M.A. Giua Carmassi, Roma e i Germani, in “Storia di Roma”, vol. II : L'impero mediterraneo, 2: I principi e il mondo,  Torino, Einaudi Editore, 1991 , pp. 508-526

-E.Gabba, Le strategie militari, le frontiere imperiali, in “Storia di Roma”, vol.IV: Caratteri e morfologie, Torino, Einaudi Editore, 1989, pp. 487-513 .

-Lectures

Students who cannot  follow the lessons must add  the following book:

 -G.Cascarino, L'esercito romano. Armamento e organizzazione, vol.II: Da Augusto ai Severi, Rimini, Il Cerchio, 2008.

Teaching methods

  During the lectures some archeological, epigraphic and literary documents will be examined, in order to explain the most important issues.

Assessment methods

The exam is an oral one. The interview is meant to evaluate the discriminatory ability and the methodological approach of the student, who is encouraged to face the set of problems presented in the course. Student's approach to ancient sources and bibliographical material will be examined in detail, considering the aspects and the cultural environment of the discipline. Such capabilities, if combined with a verbal fluency and a correct use of language, will be rewarded with excellent marks. In conformity with this evaluation, lesser levels of thought, analysis or language will result in gradually worse grades. It is evident that omissions or errors in the knowledge and an improper speech shall be considered negatively. 

Teaching tools

Photocopies of texts and documents.
The students can consult the dedicated ANT. III section of the Library of the Department of Ancient History.

Office hours

See the website of Patrizia Tabaroni