Code 23389
Level of study Third/Final year
Credit value 20
Semester Scheduled 2012-13, 1 & 2
Pre-requisite modules none
Other pre-requisites none
Pompeii is at the heart of many people’s understanding of the Roman World and is one of the most visited of all World Heritage sites. Pompeii is though only one of many sites that were destroyed during the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 and this module will assess not only Pompeii but also Herculaneum and rural sites in the Bay of Naples area. The module will put these sites back in their Campanian context and examine some of the less well known aspects of Pompeii and Pompeian society, as well as reactions to them from the 18th century onwards.
On this module you will examine the society, culture and religion of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Neapolis (Naples) and other cities through a range of literary, inscription, artistic and archaeological evidence. Discussion of this material within a lecture context is at the heart of this module and students will engage with staff, students and key debates within a supportive atmosphere.
On this module you will examine many different aspects of life within the Campanian cities including:
Public and private display;
The population of Pompeii as demonstrated by their possessions and surviving bodies;
The demonstration of loyalty to the emperor and empire;
Religious cults;
Entertainment and ‘deviance’;
Elections.
You will also examine the discovery of Pompeii and the maintenance (and lack of maintenance) of the city’s remains and the impact of the discovery of Pompeii on popular culture (including painting, film and TV, and popular novels). The future of Pompeii is currently of great concern following the wall collapses of 2010.
When available this module will also make use of the Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity’s 3D imaging technology such as the Touch Table to give the students a fuller appreciation of Pompeii’s topography. This element of the module is highly valued by students.
This module will be primarily taught by the IAA’s Roman experts but where appropriate experts on ancient slavery, heritage management and the reception of the ancient world in popular culture are also deployed to enhance students’ experience and understanding of the material.