This course investigates both the impact of the Roman invasion upon Britain, and also the role and function of Britain within the wider Roman empire. Drawing upon archaeological and historical sources, we will examine the effects of the Roman conquest on areas such as religion, economics, administration and defence. The emergence of new towns and the long-term influence of the Roman occupation on the physical landscape of Britain will also be considered. We will seek to situate our study of such topics within the framework of a broader analysis of the nature of Roman imperialism, cultural identities, and the meaning of terms such as ‘Romanisation’.

Advantage will be taken of the fact that we are based in the Roman city of Bath. Wherever possible, local examples will be used to illustrate the ideas under discussion. The class will visit the Roman Baths, the best preserved in Europe, and students will have the opportunity to handle original artefacts.

Related study trip

The class will take a study trip along the Fosse Way, the Roman cross-country road that connected Bath with Exeter and Lincoln. Our destination will be the market town of Cirencester, the second largest Roman city in England. We will help clean a third-century bathhouse mosaic from the Roman Villa at Great Witcombe and visit the Corinium Museum and amphitheatre in Cirencester.

ASE reserves the right to change the content of course-specific study trips where necessary.