Time Schedule:
Sandra R. Joshel
HSTAM 513
Seattle Campus
Detailed study of special topics in ancient history.
Class description
The seminar focuses on selected topics in the history of slavery at Rome from the mid-fifth century BCE to the late second century CE. We will discuss the emergence of large-scale slave system at Rome, the legal definition and social ramifications of being property, slave families and the household, manumission, the labor of slaves, perceptions of servile behavior, slaves’ forms of resistance, and the slave revolts of the Republic. If time, we will tackle the problem of interpreting the archaeological and epigraphical evidence of freedmen who have often been viewed as real-life Trimalchios. Special attention will be paid to the experience of slaves, who have no voice of their own in the literary and legal sources that are written by and for their masters.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Discussion
Recommended preparation
General knowledge of Roman history
Class assignments and grading
Response papers (1-2 pages) Essay (10-12) Preparation for class discussion
Written work Particpation in discussion
