HIS4212 – Early Rome and Pre-Roman Italy (c. 1000 BCE – 265 BCE)
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
From the prodigious birth of the twins Romulus and Remus, suckled by a she-wolf on the banks of the Tiber, to the establishment of Rome as a military superpower, the Romans thought that they knew quite a lot about the most ancient past of their city. However, from a contemporary point of view, much of this is a fascinating mixture of history and legends, framed as exemplary stories of great patriotic heroes. How can we think about the early past of Rome historically and critically? This course will deal with the history of early Rome and Italy, one of the most fascinating and debated periods of ancient history. We’ll use a mixture of literary and archaeological sources and engage with the most lively scholarly debates.
This course deals with a seminal period of Roman history in which the city, after uncertain and humble beginnings as a settlement on the river Tiber, gradually emerges as a hegemonic power in most of peninsular Italy, and a major international power. The course will study the reasons for its success in the cultural and political context of early Italy. It will also look close at the institutional, cultural, economic and political developments of Rome.
We shall start with an analysis of the main primary sources, including literary texts written by Greek and Roman authors (but written centuries after the events they purposedly describe), and an ever-expanding body of archaeological material and inscriptions, whose interpretation is often marred with problems. We shall subsequently discuss several key themes for the history of early Rome, such as the importance of myths and legends, monarchy in early Rome, institutions and social conflicts at the beginning of the republic (509 BCE), religion in early Rome, Rome’s relationship with its neighbours (such as the Etruscans, the Latins, and the Samnites), the development of the mid-Republican Roman aristocracy, and the Roman expansion in Italy.
Learning outcome
Examine the primary sources related to early Rome and Italy, including literature by Greek and Roman authors, archaeological findings, and inscriptions, to understand the process of historical interpretation.
Discuss the significance of myths and legends in shaping Roman identity and culture.
Understand the political and cultural contexts that led to the emergence of Rome as a hegemonic and international power in peninsular Italy, and assess the factors contributing to Roman expansion throughout Italy, considering historical, geographical, and political influences.
Investigate Rome’s interactions and relationships with neighbouring cultures, such as the Etruscans, Latins, and Samnites, to understand regional dynamics.
Admission to the course
The course is reserved for students in the master's program in history.
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester?register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
This will be the only master level course in ancient history available in the academic year 2025/2026.
Recommended previous knowledge
A good ability to read, write and understand English is required for this course.?
Teaching
The course is taught in seminars, where students are expected to be active participants. Students are expected to prepare the seminar readings before class?for discussion and to contribute orally to the course.
Compulsory activities
- Oral presentation
Compulsory attendance. Absences from up to two seminars may be approved upon agreement with the course instructor.
Resources and information will be provided via?Canvas.
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Excursion?to Rome
At the end of the semester, there will be an excursion to Rome. This is a non-compulsory activity. Students must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. More information will be provided during the teaching.
Examination
The course is assessed by a term paper. Your paper must not exceed 5000 words, notes included. Attachments and/or bibliography are not included in the word count.
Language of examination
You submit your exam in English or Norwegian.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.