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The Age of Augustus Caesar

5 weekly sessions on campus, on Mondays at 2 - 4pm, starting from Monday 9 November

Overview

This course will explore the world of Rome’s first emperor, from his unexpected rise to power to his complete dominance over the Roman world. Augustus (then Octavian) lived through the dying days of the Roman Republic, coming to prominence through his familial connections to Julius Caesar, and inheriting much of Caesar’s wealth and power. Under Augustus, Rome would be reborn as an Imperial state, with Augustus himself the driving force behind this astonishing transformation. This course will explore how Augustus came to become the first emperor of Rome, and what he did with his power once he had secured it. We will also discuss some of the key figures of his reign – including his wife Livia, an ambitious individual herself, and his stepson and eventual heir Tiberius – and the image that Augustus created of himself – in which he often appeared not as the first emperor, but as the saviour of the Republic.

This course provides students with an insight into the fascinating life and times of one of the most important figures in Roman history. You’ll walk away with an appreciation of just how significant Augustus was, exploring his world through the history, archaeology, and culture left behind.

Anyone with an interest in ancient Rome is welcome on this course, whether you have any prior knowledge or not – all you need is to want to know more about Augustus!

Syllabus

  • Week 1: The Octavian Years: Augustus’ early life and rise to power
  • Week 2: The Imperial Years: Augustus as the first emperor
  • Week 3: Augustus and the Roman State
  • Week 4: Augustus and the Roman Military
  • Week 5: Augustus and Propaganda 

Course lecturer

Dr Jo Ball is a Roman archaeologist specialising in the Roman army, the Roman provinces (particularly Britain), and tombstones. In addition to teaching and research, they write for a number of popular history publications, appear on a number of podcasts, and their first book, a biography of Publius Quinctilius Varus, was published by Pen & Sword books in August 2023.

Course fee

  • Standard fee: £85
  • Concession fee: £45