Greek and Roman Cities

Unit 1 – Greek and Roman Cities: Introduction

Unit 2 – Greek Cities: Origins and Development

Unit 3 – The Hellenistic City

Unit 4 – The Roman City in Italy

Unit 5 – The Roman City in the Provinces

Unit 6 – Daily Life in Ancient Greek & Roman Cities

Unit 7 – Greek and Roman Urban Economies

Unit 8 – Religion and Cult in Ancient Cities

Unit 9 – Urban Infrastructure and Amenities

Unit 10 – Art & Architecture: Greek & Roman Cities

Unit 11 – Ancient Cities: Decline and Transformation

Unit 12 – Ancient Urban Heritage: Study & Preservation

## What do you learn in Greek and Roman Cities

Greek and Roman Cities covers urban development in ancient Mediterranean civilizations. You'll explore city planning, architecture, and daily life in places like Athens, Rome, and Pompeii. The course digs into how these cities were built, governed, and experienced by their inhabitants. You'll also learn about the cultural, religious, and political factors that shaped urban landscapes in antiquity.

## Is Greek and Roman Cities hard?

It's not the easiest course, but it's definitely manageable. The trickiest part is remembering all the names and dates, especially if you're new to ancient history. The concepts aren't too complex, but there's a lot of material to cover. Most students find it pretty interesting, which helps make the workload feel lighter. Just stay on top of the readings and you'll be fine.

## Tips for taking Greek and Roman Cities in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline of major events and developments in Greek and Roman urban history
3. Use mnemonic devices to remember important figures like Hippodamus or Vitruvius
4. Watch "Rome" or "Pompeii: The Last Day" for visual context
5. Visit local museums with Greek and Roman exhibits if possible
6. Make flashcards for key architectural terms like agora, forum, and insulae
7. Form a study group to discuss readings and share notes
8. Use Google Earth to explore ancient city layouts and ruins

## Common pre-requisites for Greek and Roman Cities

1. Introduction to Ancient History: This course provides a broad overview of ancient civilizations, focusing on major events and cultural developments. It sets the stage for more specialized ancient studies courses.

2. Classical Mythology: This class explores the myths and legends of ancient Greece and Rome. It helps students understand the religious and cultural context that influenced urban development in these societies.

## Classes similar to Greek and Roman Cities

1. Ancient Greek Civilization: Focuses on the history, culture, and society of ancient Greece. Covers topics like politics, philosophy, and art from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period.

2. Roman History: Examines the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Explores political institutions, social structures, and cultural achievements of ancient Rome.

3. Archaeology of the Ancient Mediterranean: Introduces archaeological methods and theories used to study Greek and Roman sites. Covers major excavations and discoveries in the Mediterranean region.

4. Art and Architecture of the Ancient World: Surveys visual culture in ancient civilizations. Explores artistic styles, building techniques, and the role of art in society.

## Majors related to Greek and Roman Cities

1. Classical Studies: Focuses on the languages, literature, history, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Students gain a deep understanding of the foundations of Western civilization.

2. Archaeology: Involves the study of human history through the excavation and analysis of artifacts and physical remains. Students learn fieldwork techniques and how to interpret material culture.

3. Art History: Examines the development of visual arts throughout history. Students learn to analyze and interpret artworks in their historical and cultural contexts.

4. Urban Studies: Explores the development and functioning of cities across different time periods and cultures. Students learn about urban planning, social issues, and the evolution of urban environments.

## What can you do with a degree in Greek and Roman Cities?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions, manages collections, and educates the public about ancient artifacts. Curators research and interpret objects to create engaging displays and programs.

2. Archaeologist: Excavates and analyzes ancient sites and artifacts to understand past cultures. Archaeologists work in the field, in labs, and in academic settings to uncover and interpret historical evidence.

3. Historic Preservationist: Works to protect and restore historic buildings and sites. Preservationists research, document, and advocate for the conservation of cultural heritage.

4. Tourism Specialist: Develops and leads tours focused on ancient sites and history. Tourism specialists create educational experiences that bring ancient cities to life for modern visitors.

## Greek and Roman Cities FAQs

1. Do I need to know Greek or Latin to take this course? While knowledge of ancient languages can be helpful, it's not usually required. Most texts and inscriptions will be studied in translation.

2. Are there field trips or hands-on components? Some courses offer virtual tours or visits to local museums, but it varies by institution. Check with your professor for specific opportunities in your class.

3. How does this course relate to modern urban planning? You'll learn about the origins of many urban planning concepts still used today. The course often draws parallels between ancient and modern city design challenges.

Ancient Studies

1.1 Overview of the course

1.2 Defining characteristics of Greek and Roman cities

1.3 Geographical and chronological scope

1.4 Sources and methods for studying ancient cities

2.1 Early Greek settlements and urbanization

2.2 The rise of the polis

2.3 City planning and architecture in archaic and classical Greece

2.4 The role of religion and politics in Greek city life

3.1 The impact of Alexander the Great's conquests on urban development

3.2 Characteristics of Hellenistic cities

3.3 Major Hellenistic cities: Alexandria, Antioch, and Pergamon

3.4 Hellenistic city planning and architecture

4.1 The origins and development of Roman cities in Italy

4.4 Infrastructure and amenities in Roman cities

4.2 The Roman forum and civic center

4.3 Roman domestic architecture and housing

5.1 The spread of Roman urbanism in the provinces

5.2 Provincial cities and their administration

5.3 The impact of Roman rule on local urban traditions

5.4 Case studies: Pompeii, Ephesus, and Volubilis

6.1 Social structure and class in Greek and Roman cities

6.2 The role of gender in urban life

6.3 Education and intellectual life in the city

6.4 Entertainment and leisure activities

7.1 Urban crafts and industries

7.2 Trade and commerce in the ancient city

7.3 The role of markets and shops

7.4 Coinage and finance in urban contexts

8.1 Civic religion and festivals

8.2 Temples and sanctuaries in Greek and Roman cities

8.3 Mystery cults and foreign religions in urban settings

8.4 The impact of Christianity on the ancient city

9.1 Water supply and drainage systems

9.2 Streets, roads, and transportation

9.3 Public buildings: baths, theaters, and amphitheaters

9.4 Walls and fortifications

10.1 Public monuments and sculpture

10.2 Domestic art and decoration

10.3 Architectural styles and influences

10.4 The legacy of Greek and Roman urban art and architecture

11.2 The impact of barbarian invasions and political instability

11.3 The transformation of cities in the early Byzantine period

11.4 The legacy of Greek and Roman cities in the medieval world

11.1 Factors contributing to urban decline in late antiquity

12.1 Archaeological excavations and urban archaeology

12.2 Conservation and restoration of ancient urban sites

12.3 The role of museums and cultural heritage management

12.4 Modern cities and the influence of ancient urban planning

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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