Lecture 12

Lecture Overview

Class Format

• Due to a funeral, this week's lecture is recorded instead of presented live, ensuring students can still access the content within their own time frames.

Upcoming Exam Details

• Date: December 19

• Time: 8:30 AM

• Location: EMI Building, Room 2141

• Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

• Format: 15 cumulative short answer questions and one essay question (students are required to choose two topics to address in the essay).

Teaching Evaluations

• Evaluations will be available on Canvas until December 8, allowing students to provide feedback on the course and instructor.

Historical Context: Roman Britain

• Roman influence marked significant changes in Britain, altering the cultural and social landscape of the region.

• Prior to Roman conquest, Britain was inhabited by various Celtic tribes with distinct traditions and governance.

• Initial Roman Contact: Julius Caesar first arrived in Britain in 54 BC, with the primary aim of punishing tribes that were aiding the Gallic rebellions. However, his efforts yielded limited success, leading him to return shortly thereafter to address issues within Gaul itself.

Roman Conquest

• The establishment of a permanent Roman presence in Britain is credited to Emperor Claudius in the 1st century AD. Claudius initiated a full-scale invasion that emphasized military discipline and expertise, despite initial inexperience.

• The Roman rule in Britain lasted approximately 400 years and persisted until the early 5th century CE.

• This era was characterized by colonization efforts and attempts to suppress local revolts, showcasing the challenges of imperial control.

Key Revolts and Figures

• Boudicca's Revolt (60 CE):

  • This revolt was triggered by Roman neglect of treaty obligations following the death of the King of Iceni, leading to Boudicca's rise as a leader.

  • Boudicca led the Britons in successful early assaults against Roman settlements, including the significant burning of Londinium.

  • The revolt was ultimately quelled at the Battle of Watling Street, resulting in significant Roman retribution against the tribes involved.

Roman Governance and Military Practices

• Julius Agricola (79-84 CE):

  • A key Roman general, Agricola expanded the Empire's reach into what is now Scotland, facing both militaristic resistance and ecological challenges.

  • The historian Tacitus documented these military campaigns extensively, providing insight into both Roman and Celtic viewpoints on conquest.

  • Tacitus’ narrative offers a critical commentary on the impact of Roman imperialism on indigenous populations, highlighting themes of power and subjugation.

Hadrian’s Wall

• Built under Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE, this monumental structure served to delineate the northern bounds of Roman Britain.

• Hadrian's Wall is regarded as a remarkable feat of Roman engineering, representing both a defensive and regulatory measure for controlling movement and trade between the two territories.

• The exact purpose of the wall remains a topic of scholarly debate, with interpretations ranging from militaristic defense to administrative regulation.

Case Studies: Films

• Centurion (2010):

  • Centers around the legendary 9th Legion, which mysteriously vanished from historical records late in the 1st or 2nd century.

  • The protagonist, Quintus Dias (played by Michael Fassbender), embarks on a perilous journey after his legion faces ambush.

  • Themes of betrayal and revenge are intricately woven into the narrative, paralleling the historical context of Boudicca’s legend.

  • The film draws aesthetic and thematic similarities to Gladiator, particularly in character development and battle choreography.

• The Eagle (2011):

  • Follows Marcus Flavius Aquila (played by Channing Tatum) as he strives to restore his family's legacy tied to the 9th Legion’s campaign.

  • The film explores similar themes of conquest and vengeance while depicting Hadrian's Wall as a pivotal symbol of Roman apprehension towards the northern tribes.

• Pompeii (2014):

  • Set against the backdrop of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, this film combines personal dramas with historical events.

  • While it focuses on a central romantic narrative amidst destruction, it has faced criticism for its historical inaccuracy and superficial portrayal of Roman life.

  • The film presents visual spectacles through CGI but fails to engage in deeper critiques of imperialism, relying on established clichés and cinematic tropes rather than substantive historical narratives.

Conclusion

• Each of the analyzed films presents a stylized interpretation of Roman history, prioritizing themes of conquest, retribution, and imperial dynamics, yet often neglects critical evaluations of historical accuracy and cultural realities.

• The humorous elements of these films frequently arise from their historical liberties and grandiose dramatization.

Final Remarks

• The instructor will post a final video for week 13, which will summarize core content and address any outstanding student queries.

• Students are encouraged to actively reach out with any questions or concerns related to the material covered or upcoming assessments.