Cleopatra, Rome, and the Mediterranean World in Transition 2800-DWCLEO-OG

The focus of the class will be on Cleopatra VII, the last queen of Egypt,
whose defeat and death alongside her husband Marc Antony lead to the
annexation of Egypt to the Roman Empire. Who was Cleopatra and
what kind of world was she born into? How did she govern her kingdom
and how did people live their lives under her rule? What kind of
evidence do we have to learn about her and Egypt at this time? How
has Cleopatra been interpreted and reinvented over the years?
We will examine the Ptolemaic kingdom into which she was born and
examine how the state developed within the competitive world of the
Hellenistic East following the conquests of Alexander the Great. We will
also consider the “epilogue” to Cleopatra’s story, when Egypt became
Roman, examining how the relationship between ruler and ruled
changed once Egypt was part of a Mediterranean-wide empire. Papyri,
inscriptions, coins, and other material evidence allow for a unique
perspective on politics and daily life in Greco-Roman Egypt, which can
be compared to the narrative histories and observations of ancient
writers. Topics will include ethnicity, family life, gender, law and society,
religion, revolts and resistance, and more.

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom

Course coordinators

William Graham Claytor VI

Learning outcomes

Students will develop a basic understanding of the history of the
Hellenistic and Roman worlds, with a focus on Egypt between roughly
300 BCE and 300 CE, and the evidence used by scholars to interpret
antiquity. Through a focus on Cleopatra, students will learn how to
analyze historical evidence and try to distinguish between fact and
fiction.

Assessment criteria

Attendance is mandatory, with no more than two absences allowed.
Grading is based on the student’s preparation, participation in class,
and performance of assigned tasks. Each student will give a
presentation on a particular modern interpretation of Cleopatra, for
example, through literature, film, art, etc.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2800-DWCLEO-OG in USOSweb