Behind Closed Doors? Domestic Life in the Roman World

This course explores the archaeological remains of domestic life across the Roman world from Pompeii to Britain to Syria and attempts to reconstruct the private lives of Romans, particularly the women, children, servants, and slaves who were less visible in more public spheres. We will consider the methodological complexities of interpreting artifact assemblages and reflect on our own houses and notions of private lives both as sources of inspiration and stumbling blocks for understanding Roman domestic life as we open doors and re-people Roman houses.