Geography, Ethnography, and Perceptions of the World in Antiquity

Curious about the shape and limits of the earth and the variety of cultures, ancient Greeks and Romans explored and described the world, drew maps, and interpreted the customs of others in fascinating ways. We will discuss relevant texts (Homer, Herodotus, Strabo, Tacitus, etc., in translation) and compare the Graeco-Roman world with that of other ancient civilizations (China, Mesopotamia, Aztecs).