Ancient Rome: from humble beginnings to a splendid city

Joseph Mallord William Turner (British, 1775 – 1851)
Modern Rome – Campo Vaccino, 1839 The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

This series of three talks by Dr. June Neilson on Mondays from 10 am to 12 noon, is an exploration of the growth and development of ancient Rome from a tiny Italian settlement on seven hills into a thriving city of around one million people.

Lecture 1 will examine the geography and mythological origins of ancient Rome before looking at its expansion to a city of a million inhabitants, colossal by the standards of the time. The amassing of a huge empire over much of the known world increased the wealth of Rome so that this development could take place.

Lecture 2 will consider the factors behind this expansion. The army conquered a territory, the administrators moved in to organise the collection of taxes and to establish “Romanisation”, the Roman way of life. Agriculture, mining and industry were all encouraged and expanded in the new areas.

Imperial growth was expedited by the establishment of a class structure. The elite, the senatorial class, educated young men in the ‘cursus honorum’ moving upwards from alternative military and civilian roles. Below, the equestrian class, Roman citizens and slaves all played their part.

Lecture 3 will be devoted to feeding and watering the city as well as its architecture. The Roman ports expanded to bring in the requisite food and massive aqueducts allowed a continuous supply of water. Wealth from the empire enabled beautiful and impressive buildings to be built, many of which survive today.

Tea and coffee will be served, and all are welcome. There is no need to print out and bring your ticket, as we will have a record of your booking.

If you book this course online, we will hold your personal data in accordance with our privacy policy. If you do not wish us to hold your personal data, please book by post (see www.berwickea.co.uk) and do not supply an email address.