12884 - Roman Military History (1)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to explain the developments of the Roman military history. This will be done also by investigating single events, and referring to the political, economic, religious and social history of the Roman civilization. During the course, the latest studies on these subjects will be considered.
The goal is to give the student the ability to reconstruct the evolution of the Roman military reality, through the analysis of ancient sources and modern historiography.

Course contents

- Introduction: sources, history of the studies, issues and methods.
- Features of Roman military history.
-The career of the Roman soldier

Readings/Bibliography

-G.Brizzi, Il guerriero, l'oplita, il legionario. Gli eserciti nel mondo classico, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2008 (new edition)

About career:

-G.Brizzi, La gerarchia militare in età repubblicana, "La hiérarchie (Rangordnung) de l'armée romaine sous le haut-empire. Actes du congres de Lyon (15-18 septembre 1994)", Paris 1995, pp. 15-21

-Y.Le Bohec, L'esercito romano. Le armi imperiali da Augusto alla fine del III secolo, Roma, Carocci 2003, pp. 49-90 (cap. II)

-G.Cascarino, L'esercito romano. Armamento e organizzazione, vol. II. Da Augusto ai Severi, Rimini, Il Cerchio, 2008, pp. 29-56

Students who cannot  follow the lessons must add  the following book:

 -G.Cascarino, L'esercito romano. Armamento e organizzazione, vol.II: Da Augusto ai Severi, Rimini, Il Cerchio, 2008.

You can find all texts in DISCI library (sezione di storia antica), via Zamboni 38, floor IV

Teaching methods

  During the lectures some archeological, epigraphic and literary documents will be examined, in order to explain the most important issues.

Assessment methods

The exam is an oral one. The interview is meant to evaluate the discriminatory ability and the methodological approach of the student, who is encouraged to face the set of problems presented in the course. Student's approach to ancient sources and bibliographical material will be examined in detail, considering the aspects and the cultural environment of the discipline. Such capabilities, if combined with a verbal fluency and a correct use of language, will be rewarded with excellent marks. In conformity with this evaluation, lesser levels of thought, analysis or language will result in gradually worse grades. It is evident that omissions or errors in the knowledge and an improper speech shall be considered negatively. 

Teaching tools

The students can consult the dedicated ANT. III section of the Library of the Department of Ancient History.

Office hours

See the website of Patrizia Tabaroni