AAH3950 - Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt

Leader: Gillian Bowen and Colin Hope

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit examines the profound changes Egyptian culture experienced during the period from 332 BCE to the end of the fourth century CE. It examines the interaction between the Greek-speaking elite and the indigenous population, Hellenism and pharaonic culture, and the impact upon the heterogenous culture which developed as a result of this by the Roman occupation and the resultant changes which were imposed. It will draw upon and analyse a wide range of sources from the archaeological to papyrological and literary. A major theme is the way in which aspects of the indigenous culture survived and even flourished until the advent of Christianity.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit the student will have:

1. A detailed knowledge of Egyptian culture during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
2. An understanding of the complexity and changing nature of Egyptian culture as a result first of the introduction of Hellenism and then the Roman occupation upon traditional culture.
3. The ability to appraise critically ancient and secondary source material, and combine a variety of types of evidence in the analysis of ancient culture.
4. Independent research skills and the ability to undertake individual research projects, which are presented in a clearly expressed and cogent manner.

Assessment

Research essay (2500 words): 55%
Document analysis (500 words): 10%
Examination (1.5 hours): 35%

Contact hours

3.5 hours (2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1.5 hour tutorial) per weeks