Ancient Urbanism

Ancient Greek, ancient Roman, and historical Islamic cities succeeded one another in western Asia and around the Mediterranean Sea. This course compares and contrasts these three great urban traditions. Cities studied include Athens, Olynthos, Rome, Pompeii, Constantinople, Tunis, Damascus. Themes include the organization of political, religious and commercial space; concepts of public and private; gendered experiences of urban life; interconnections among cities; the long-term histories of ancient cities, some of which continue to shape life today. Students will learn about historical places and developments; strengthen critical thinking skills; practice oral and written analyses of urban space.