Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide you with a detailed introduction to the society, culture and economy of Egypt as a province of the Roman Empire between the first and the third century AD.

On a broader level, the module also aims to provide you with a better understanding of the power-relationships between Rome and a province in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module investigates the main topics of current scholarly interest in the history of Egypt from 30 BC, when Egypt became a Roman province, to the late third century AD, before the enforcement of the Diocletian’s reforms.

Topics include the position of Egypt within the Roman Empire and its relationship with Rome; identity and social mobility; religion; the role of non-agricultural activities, including trades and professional associations; slavery; population, family and the role of women; the city of Alexandria and the Jewish revolts; and the third-century developments.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students will learn:
• To identify and critically discuss the main scholarly debates around the society and culture of Roman Egypt and its relationship with the Roman government;
• To use and examine the primary evidence available to the study of Roman Egypt, with a particular focus on papyri;
• To provide a critical assessment of the different types of papyrus documents (in translation) and their relationship with the archaeological record;
• To analyse the role of Egypt in the broader context of the Mediterranean world and more generally of the Roman Empire.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module students will have acquired the following transferable skills:
• Enhancement of analytical and research skills;
• Ability to interpret critically a wider variety of written sources and to summarise complex material;
• Development of written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to engage critically with a variety of theories and ideas.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will provide the students with a structured outline of core knowledge and methodologies which are essential for approaching the key historical topics of the module. They also offer the students the necessary instruments to analyse and discuss the primary evidence and secondary literature independently.

Seminars are specifically designed to provide the students with in-depth discussion and further analysis of a selected number of topics, issues and pieces of primary evidence which have been presented in the lectures.

The three workshops will focus on assessment preparation and provide opportunities for formative assessment.

The drop-in sessions offer students an informal opportunity to ask questions and discuss any aspect of the module. In the three sessions, staff will be available to address students' queries and provide guidance on the assessment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

In the 2,700-word reflective portfolio students will have the opportunity to discuss the module's topics in a succinct and critical manner, taking into account also the seminar discussions

The 400-word source analysis will allow the students to engage directly with a specific text, typically a document written on papyrus, supporting the development of both critical skills and historical understanding.

The three workshops will focus on assessment preparation and provide opportunities for formative assessment:
Workshop 1: Guidance on how to complete the assessment.
Workshop 2: Assessment practice using provided materials. Working in groups, students will produce a 300-word portfolio entry (one per group) and submit it to me.
Workshop 3: Oral feedback on the submitted entries will be delivered and discussed.

General Notes

N/A