ARC 17 — The Art and Archaeology of Pompeii
Quarter: Spring
Instructor(s): Gary Devore
Date(s): Apr 16—Jun 4
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Thursdays
Class Meeting Time: 7:00—8:30 pm (PT)
Tuition: $440
Refund Deadline: Apr 18
Unit(s): 1
Status: Registration opens Feb 23, 8:30 am (PT)
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 CE and lay buried under ash and stone for centuries. Rediscovered in the 18th century, Pompeii has since been systematically excavated and studied, offering an unparalleled glimpse of urban life in the early Roman Empire. Its evocative ruins have captivated tourists, artists, and scholars alike.
This course will take a thematic approach to explore the archaeological history of Pompeii, contextualize its remains, and investigate the famous (and not-so-famous) works of art and architecture excavated from the ruins. We will get to know the citizens of this small Roman city, both rich and poor, by investigating what has been preserved of their lives because of their deaths. We will employ written texts, artifacts, computer reconstructions, artistic imaginings, and panoramic photography to re-create what of Pompeii has been lost to history. This course will also give you invaluable information if you are planning to visit the site.
GARY DEVORE
Archaeologist
Gary Devore has excavated in the ancient ruins of Pompeii and also at sites near Hadrian’s Wall in the north of England. He was one of the directors and principal investigators of Binchester Roman Excavations and is a former director of the Pompeii Archaeological Research Project, Porta Stabia. Devore received a PhD from the University of Bradford, UK, and taught at Stanford for a decade. Textbooks for this course:
(Optional) Pedar Foss (Ed.), John J. Dobbins (Ed.), The World of Pompeii (ISBN 978-0415475778)