Embarking on a journey to explore the rich tapestry of Roman history can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. From the legendary founding of Rome to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, this ancient civilization has left an indelible mark on the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious learner, this guide will provide you with valuable insights on how to dive into the captivating realm of Roman history.
Level 1 – Learn to Love Roman History
To truly understand Roman history, it’s essential that you fall in love with this classical civilisation. When you hear about Ancient Rome online, it can be equally fascinating and confusing. Don’t worry! Everyone feels that way when they start out. What you need to do is find ways for you to enjoy the learning experience. You may want to dive straight into the nitty gritty of Suetonius and Cicero, but hang on a second – we’ll get you there. You see, these sources can be very confusing (even when you are reading them in English rather than classical Latin). I always recommend you start off your journey in the wonderful world of Ancient Rome with the simplest sources possible: documentaries, social media channels, museums! If you aren’t understanding what you are learning about and every sentence is using a word or name you’ve never heard of it can be really hard to keep up – let alone feel like you’re actually learning something! So my recommendation to you is to start with developing a fundamental landscape of Ancient Rome in the most engaging and simple format possible. Here’s my top 3 documentaries to get you started:
Only after you have engaged with the history this way and developed an independent desire to understand more should you move on to Level 2.
Level 2 – Hit the (Popular History) Books
You will begin to notice a theme in this development plan for your Roman History learning: you must be able to understand what you are learning, and it must be enjoyable. After you have enjoyed the video formats you must now dive deeper – its time to pick up the books. But, be careful. You cannot yet dive head first into Commentarii de Bello Gallico – no no. The level above documentaries, the level which you are now ready for, comes in the format of Popular Roman History books. These are books that combine historical sources and modern writing directed at a general audience. You will not expect Latin paragraphs or language to throw you off course, instead these will be translated. Archaelogical evidence will be explained and primary sources will be utilised only as supports for a transfxiing narative of Roman History. Its here where your own independent interests can begin to flourish. You can start with a general narative (SPQR by Mary Beard) or dive into personalities of famous Romans (Caesar by Adrian Goldsworthy). You want to find something that you are able to follow along with generous ease while still being stimulating enough for you to enjoy. Here’s a list of my favorite Popular History Books:
These period of learining can be as long or as short as you like, even as you transcend through the levels you will likely find yourself returning to some of you most enjoyable Popular History books, especially as you niche down into certain areas in Roman History and find a need to return to a general view.
Level 3 – A Touch of Academia
Oooooh, Academia and university level education and learning – terrifying! Or is it? Its a mistake to revere the University education system as currently stands. No doubt, there is a level of access to resources and tutoring that one cannot find outside this prestigious higher education. Nevertheless, the grandeur of the university is fading and the exclusive grip it once had on higher education has already weakened. This can play directly into you success.
You have now by this point developed a love of Roman History; you have watched the documentaries and read a range of popular Roman history books giving you a wide and interesting perspective on this most relavent and exotic of periods. Now you must refine that knowledge, but only if you dare. Do not worry if you never move on from the popular history and documentaries. These things alone, when utilised rigourosuly will delvier to you a perspective not owned by many. However, if you desire to have that perspective deepened you must now take the leap into the messy world of the academics. Prepare to have what you thought was true left battered, bruised and potentially killed.
While Academic history should be entertainng and educational, it will also give you an insght into how to think like a Historian. The nuance that is necessary when trying to find the answers to ou historical questions. You will find that even 2000 years later, we are arguing about all of Roman History right down to the minutae of a sentence in a single document from an insignifant source. There is so much more to discover, and you can join the great historians of our modern period on this journey.
The academic world is wide, confusing and exclusive. But I’m here to guide you through it and point you to the best resources out there to expand your learning. Start by exploring the reading lists of Roman History degrees. Here’s an example:
For now ignore the primary resources, that’s our next level. In the meantime, look through the titles of the books and find the ones that most interest. Every Professor must niche down into a particular aspect of their subject. You can do the same. Don’t feel stuck with one thing. Explore it all in your own time. But accept that to learn more accurately you msut choose a smaller target.
Explore all these works. Become enthralled by them. Research particular aspects in your own time using Google, but use these academic texts as you foundation.
Great work. You’ve explored ancient Rome through the eyes of experts. But how did they become experts? By exploring ancient Rome through the eyes of the Romans themselves.
Level 4 – A Truly Roman Experience
Now you are ready to take on the primary sources – the very words that our ancient cultural ancestors wrote themselves. To begin on this journey…
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