Ostia And Pompeii: History Of Two Iconic Roman Towns

Everybody is acquainted with Pompeii’s dramatic destruction by the eruption of Vesuvius, which sealed the town’s treasures for centuries. Ostia, a lesser-known yet equally well-preserved Roman centre, took hundreds of years to finally fade out. Because of their history, looking at Ostia and Pompeii side by side provides unique insights into the reality of Roman urban living. 

This course seeks to use the archaeological evidence from over 200 years of excavations to look at:

• The main historical and topographical developments of both towns throughout the centuries

• The variety of public and private architecture, with attention to their decoration and artefacts

• Working, playing and worshipping in a Roman town

• The relationship of both Ostia and Pompeii with Rome and its Empire

• Between treasures and ideology: Ostia and Pompeii under the pickaxes of antiquarians, fascists and contemporary archaeologists 

The sessions will be delivered face to face. No specific knowledge is required prior to enrolment.