DSMA06 Everyday Life in Ancient Rome

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2021
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. et Mgr. Markéta Melounová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. et Mgr. Markéta Melounová, Ph.D.
Department of Classical Studies – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Jitka Erlebachová
Supplier department: Department of Classical Studies – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Mon 12:00–13:40 A21
Prerequisites
!(OBOR(DST) && TYP_STUDIA(B))
At least basic knowledge of Roman political history. At least basic knowledge of Latin is welcome.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce students into various aspects of everyday life in the Roman Republic and the Empire.
The student will learn to use and translate terms relating to various areas of Roman private life properly.
Learning outcomes
After the completion of the course the student will be:
- provided with thorough knowledge of the Roman way of life, which will help him/her to better understand the development of Roman history and thought;
- able to critically evaluate, how accurately Roman realia have been employed in works of literature, fine arts or in a film.
Syllabus
  • 1) Sources and literature; the importance of research in the area destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 for learning about Roman private life.
  • 2) Housing I - city (private house and its decoration; insulae).
  • 3) Housing II - countryside (villa rustica, villa urbana, gardens; house facilities).
  • 4) Agriculture (historical development, growing plants, animal breeding).
  • 5) Eating (food, drinks), banquets and entertainment.
  • 6) Crafts, commerce, trade associations, shopping (markets, retaurants).
  • 7) Clothing, shoes; fabrics, cosmetics, hairstyles.
  • 8) Daily rhythm (counting time, daily activities), hygiene (baths, body care, toilets, sewerage and aqueducts, disposing of rubbish).
  • 9) Calendar, games, festivals.
  • 10) Transport, communication (carriages; letters, writing accessories); books and booksellers.
  • 11) Excursion.
Literature
    required literature
  • MÜLLER, I,. von. Handbuch der klassischen Altertumswissenschaft. Die römischen Privataltertümer. München 1911.
  • WEEBER, Karl-Wilhelm. Alltag im Alten Rom : das Landleben : ein Lexikon. Vollständig überarbeitete. Darmstadt: Primus Verlag, 2012, 312 stran. ISBN 9783534253869. info
  • WEEBER, Karl-Wilhelm. Alltag im Alten Rom : das Leben in der Stadt. 4., verbesserte Auflage der. Mannheim: Albatros, 2011, 447 stran. ISBN 9783538076235. info
    recommended literature
  • Der Neue Pauly/The New Pauly (on-line, databáze ÚKS)
  • JOHNSTON, Harold Whetstone. The Private Life of the Romans. Chicago: Scott, Foresman and Company, 1909. Dostupné online: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40549/40549-h/40549-h.htm
  • DALBY, Andrew. Food in the ancient world from A to Z. 1st pub. London: Routledge, 2003, xvi, 408. ISBN 0415232597. info
  • SCULLARD, H. H. Festivals and ceremonies of the Roman Republic. First published. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Library, 1981, 288 stran. ISBN 0801414024. info
  • CHRIST, Karl. Die Römer : eine Einführung in ihre Geschichte und Zivilisation. 2. Aufl. München: C.H. Beck, 1978, 316 s. ISBN 3406302521. info
  • BURIAN, Jan. Řím : světla a stíny antického velkoměsta. Vyd. 1. Praha: Svoboda, 1970, 285 s. URL info
  • GROH, V. Starý Řím. Praha, 1931. info
Teaching methods
Familiarization with aforesaid areas through lectures and reading extracts from sources, especially from poetry, drama, private correspondence, satire, ancient novel.
Students will learn to identify and name parts of the house equipment, of garments etc. on pictures.
Assessment methods
Handing-in a short essay.
Written test that will examine also the knowledge of Latin terminology.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2020, Autumn 2022, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2021, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/spring2021/DSMA06