Description
[Ancient/Medieval] The art and history of the ancient cities along the Bay of Naples in south Italy are full of excitement and drama. In this class you will travel back in time to learn about the violent, triumphant, bloody, and sometimes bawdy art and archaeology of these famous cities, from their origins as settlements established by local south Italian groups, to their sudden, violent ends as Roman colonies in 79 CE. We will move through the cities both chronologically and thematically to develop a close familiarity with the art, history, and topography of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other nearby cities, while also exploring their significance within the wider context of the Roman Empire. In addition to the history, art, and archaeology, we will discuss the excavations of the cities covered by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius to consider the reception of ancient art in the early modern period.