The Roman Army in Egypt 2800-AFRAIE
This course examines the Roman army as a dynamic social and institutional
force within the province of Egypt. Students will investigate the army’s
operations and its broader integration into the economic, religious, and daily
life of the province and gain a comprehensive understanding of its organization,
including the legions, auxiliary troops, and naval units. Other topics include
camp followers, soldiers’ families, and the communities into which veterns
settled.
A central aim of the course is to provide students with a firm grounding in the
primary source base, highlighting how Egypt’s unparalleled papyrological and
archaeological records offer a uniquely personal window into the Roman
military world. We will engage directly with voices of the past through personal
letters, official reports, and even poetry composed by soldiers. This rich textual
evidence is further illuminated by ongoing archaeological excavations,
particularly in the Eastern Desert, which reveal the army’s crucial role in
securing trade routes and raw materials.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have:
(Knowledge & Understanding)
a detailed, specialized understanding of the structure and operations of
the imperial Roman army;
a command of the concepts and specialized terminology used in the
study of the Roman military;
an understanding of the key archaeological sites and evidence related to
the Roman army in Egypt;
an appreciation of the diverse documentary source base for the Roman
army (e.g., papyri, ostraka, inscriptions), understanding how these texts
complement the archaeological record;
an understanding of the social and economic relations of Roman
soldiers and veterns in Egypt.
(Practical & Analytical Skills)
Students will be able to
- analyze and interpret various types of archaeological and documentary
evidence;
- formulate a coherent argument and effectively engage in scholarly
discussion and debate;
- select appropriate methods for presenting research findings;
- present research results clearly and persuasively in oral presentations.
Assessment criteria
Attendance is mandatory, with no more than two absences allowed. Grading is
based on the student’s preparation, participation, and performance of assigned
tasks. Each student will give a presentation on a specific research topic.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: