Constantine (Extra Credit)

Diocletian and Constantine attempted to solve, not only the political and social problems of Rome, but also fundamental economic problems as well. Bruce Bartlett argues that the two did exactly the wrong thing. Please read Bartlett's article How Excessive Government Killed Rome. Do you think Bartlett's criticisms accurate? Why, or why not?

The Gospel of Luke (Extra Credit)

Many Romans of the imperial period followed Virgil, Ovid, and Horace in hoping for a political leader who would solve Rome's problems. At the same time, many other Romans were looking to an entirely different hope. The Gospel of Luke is particularly good at describing that hope. Please read through a chapter or two of Luke's gospel, and pick out a verse that might have had particular appeal to those living under the rule of Imperial Rome.

Many different Bible translations are available at the Blue Letter Bible site.

Marcus Aurelius--Meditations

Plato said that, in an ideal society, the philosophers would be the kings, or the kings would be philosophers. Marcus Aurelius in some ways would seem to be exactly the kind of "philosopher emperor" Plato would have wanted. Please read the opening sections of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. Choose a line that particularly well shows one of the things Aurelius particularly values, and note whether this value would make him a good emperor or not.

Tacitus Histories (Extra Credit)

Most of the historical works written by the Romans disappeared long ago. But while other books were lost, Tacitus' works were often copied, studied and preserved. Can you guess why this might be so? Please read the first few paragraphs of Tacitus' Histories, and see if you can find a line or two that explains the appeal of Tacitus and his approach to history.

Ovid

Most of the Greek and Roman myths you read in high school were retellings of stories from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Choose your favorite myth and read Ovid's version of that myth. Read also one of the Ovid myths that you *hadn't* read before. Cite one example for each myth that shows particularly well Ovid's "insight into the human condition."

By the way, I loved your skits from today in class. If we have time Thursday, we'll try dramatizing an Ovid theme or two.

If you want to get the overall picture of the Metamorphoses, see this excellent introduction and commentary by Larry Brown.

More Virgil--Aeneas in the Underworld

Please skim through the last half of Book VI of the Aeneid, Virgil's story of Aeneas in the Underworld. Again, I'd like to have you pick out a line or two that illustrates well one of Virgil's "insights into the human condition." How does this line show Virgil's ideas on the meaning of life, life after death, politics, etc.?

Virgil--The Aeneid

Please read Book I and Book II of Virgil's Aeneid. Skimming through Book I is sufficient. Please read Book II with a bit more care. Cite a line or two that particularly well show Virgil's "insight into the human condition," i.e., that shows his understanding of subjects like fate, the relationships between men and women, relationships between men and gods, the impact of war, etc.