Department of Classical Studies

This offering of C327 will focus on volcanos and hydrology in Roman Italy with a focus on the water supply of Pompeii and the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. We will study both literary and material evidence, including eyewitness accounts of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE, ancient technical literature, archaeological remains of aqueducts. Selected articles and secondary literature will be assigned to contextualize the ancient evidence. Students will present articles, lead discussion, write papers, and complete an independent research project.