Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Overview

A study of ancient Roman social life, with particular emphasis on the marginalised (or so-called ’invisible’). Romans, including enslaved peoples, gladiators, sex workers, and social outcasts.

The vast and enduring empire of Rome was built upon the backs of men and women whose names never made it into the history books. This paper studies the lives of the marginalised (or so-called 'invisible') lower classes in ancient Rome, including gladiators, sex workers, enslaved peoples, and bandits. In doing so, it reveals a society that was often brutal and violent and based upon values very different from our own.

About this paper

Paper title Roman Social History: Gladiators, Sex Workers, and the Enslaved
Subject Classical Studies
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
CLAS 224
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact

classics@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Hannah Sorscher

Textbooks

Any textbook requirements will be advised.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will have:

  • An understanding of ancient Roman society with particular reference to the lower classes including slaves and gladiators
  • The ability to analyse critically the historical sources available on Roman society
  • An appreciation of the ethical implications of Roman social attitudes and values and how they differ from those of modern New Zealand
  • The skills of effective written communication

Overview

A study of ancient Roman social life, with particular emphasis on the marginalised (or so-called ’invisible’). Romans, including enslaved peoples, gladiators, sex workers, and social outcasts.

The vast and enduring empire of Rome was built upon the backs of men and women whose names never made it into the history books. This paper studies the lives of the marginalised (or so-called "invisible") lower classes in ancient Rome, including gladiators, sex workers, enslaved peoples and bandits. In doing so, it reveals a society that was often brutal and violent and based upon values very different from our own.

About this paper

Paper title Roman Social History: Gladiators, Sex Workers, and the Enslaved
Subject Classical Studies
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
CLAS 224
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact

classics@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Dr Hannah Sorscher

Textbooks

Any textbook requirements will be advised.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will have:

  • An understanding of ancient Roman society with particular reference to the lower classes including slaves and gladiators
  • The ability to analyse critically the historical sources available on Roman society
  • An appreciation of the ethical implications of Roman social attitudes and values and how they differ from those of modern New Zealand
  • The skills of effective written communication
Back to top