ARC/ARH 313 Powers and Identities in the Ancient Mediterranean

Overview of the Mediterranean basin from the first civilizations in Egypt and Middle East up to the Roman expansion over Europe. The course objectives aim to 'de-classicize' the Ancient Mediterranean history to tone down the 'Mediterranean Antiquity/Greco-Roman' paradigm. As this Greco-Roman world did not appear abruptly, classes will have an equal emphasis on these 'Non-Classical' civilizations such as the Etruscans, the Hittites, the Phoenicians, and the Celts/Gauls. As a result, the main direction taken for this course focuses on concepts of power and identity, which are demonstrated in politics, gender and social ideals, material culture and religious practice. Finally, bridges will be created between the concerns of the Ancients and our concerns in modern societies. Typically includes an overnight trip to Paris and/or Provence (e.g. Arles, Marseilles).