Birgitta Hoffmann
An exploration of the Roman idea of living in the countryside
Romans saw themselves as a nation of farmers, who had suddenly got rich. Senators were assessed on their land holdings, and in the Republic their involvement in trade was very much regulated.
Consequently, their houses in the country were frequently a combination of an economic unit, producing surplus that could be sold at market as well as the residence (for at least part of the year) of the owner, who may or may not also be living in the town and be involved in government.
These ideas travelled with the Romans when their empire expanded and in the provinces were adapted to serve local traditions and climate requirements. This course is designed to explore the different aspects of Roman life in the country and how it changed over time. Each lecture is designed to stand on its own, but also to create a larger narrative over the course of the year.
28th September Where does it all start? Iron Age to mid-Republican farms
5th October Talking about your favourite topic I. Cato and Varro on agriculture and living in the villa
12th October The farm villas of Campania – Boscoreale and beyond
19th October Big business – Settefinestre and the Ager Cosanus
26th October Half-term
2nd November Starting a colonia – villas and the centuriatio
9th November. Talking about your favourite topic II: Cicero and Pliny on living in the villa
16th November What is a suburban villa?
23rd November Seaside villas in Campania and elsewhere
30th November Villas in the mountains – Nemi, Lake Como and elsewhere
7th December The Imperial villas – setting the tone?
Please note all lectures will be recorded and distributed to the participants at the beginning of the next week. This should allow participants from different time zones, or those working catching up with the lectures.
Day: Thursdays: Time: 19.00-21.00 pm BST/GMT
10 weeks, starting 28th September 2023 with one week break on May 18th
Virtual Learning Environment: Zoom (The lectures are recorded)
Single lecture:
| Price | Early Bird | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £12 | 8 | 50 |
Bookings for the whole course:
| Price | Early Bird | Minimum No. | Maximum No. |
| £120 | 8 | 50 |
To book, please use the attached order form or the Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-roman-villa-part-1-tickets-690776740827 . You can also contact Birgitta Hoffmann for the BACS details.
Contact:
Birgitta Hoffmann
55 Broadwalk, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5PL
email: latinteacher@btinternet.com mobile: 07377 791562