This course is an in-depth study of the period of transition at Rome from republican government to monarchy, from the outbreak of civil war in 49 to the assumption of the name 'Augustus' by the victorious Octavian. Working with a range of ancient sources, the course explores both the political and military events, which led to Octavian's final victory, and the cultural and social transformation, which accompanied it.

9x 1hr lectures, 9x 1hr seminars per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. 1x 2hr museum visit. This is one of the honours options in Classics and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

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The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Critical Commentary 1 (1,000 words) - 25%

■ Critical Commentary 2 (1,000 words) - 25%

■ Essay (2,000 words) - 50%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ Explore the triumviral period at Rome and the emergence of Augustus as sole ruler;

■ Analyse a range of literary and non-literary sources for the period;

■ Understand the processes of political change which transformed republic into monarchy and the alternative forms of government which Romans experimented with during this period;

■ Explore the connections between cultural innovation and political change during this period;

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Illustrate detailed knowledge of the events in Roman history in the period 49-27 B.C and their interrelationships;

■ Describe detailed knowledge of the primary sources for these events and an understanding of the challenges in their use;

■ Analyse processes of political and cultural change in the Roman world during the period 49-27 B.C.

■ Analyse current scholarly debates on the period 49-27 B.C

■ Develop and critique written arguments in relation to this period of history;