This class will examine the dramatic history of Ancient Rome, from its mythical founding to its cataclysmic fall in 476 AD. We’ll explore epic moments like the Punic Wars, the gripping power plays of Julius Caesar, and the grandeur of Augustus, punctuated by the notorious reigns of the “bad emperors” such as Caligula and Nero. Highlights include iconic marvels like the Colosseum—a showcase of Roman engineering and entertainment—and the Pantheon, a testament to the Empire’s ambition to bring the heavens under a dome.