AA4130 The Roman Army

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Module description

This module will present material for the history and archaeology of the Roman army from the Early Republic through to the Late Empire. Students will study a series of themes, including institutional development, expansion and defence of the Roman empire, the army and political culture, the army in battle, soldiers within Roman society, the archaeology of self-identity, and the Roman military economy. Source material will include historical and epigraphic texts, archaeological sites and finds, and Roman iconography. The Roman army was the first truly 'professional' standing army in European history. It permeated Roman economy and society, and has subsequently fascinated historians, soldiers, political scientists and artists up to the present.

Intended learning outcomes

• Identify and describe the historical developmental framework of Roman military power projection, from the Republic through to the Late Empire.
• Analyse projection of military success through triumphal monuments and artworks as a language which influences modern display of achievement and ethos.
• Discuss the diversity of gender roles, cultural makeup and social status within military communities.
• Identify and explain the economies and architectural structures of imperial conquest and defensive frontiers.
• Select the most appropriate forms of evidence to support argument, including employment of detailed case-studies of military sites, artefacts, literature, epigraphy, artefacts etc.
• Formulate sophisticated arguments about the nature of military service and identity, employing appropriate methodologies and evidence with relevance to modern societies' experience.