This course is designed as an introduction to the history of Rome and the Roman people. Lectures and readings cover material from the legendary foundations of the city in 753 BCE to the end of the empire in the fifth century CE, but the focus of the course is on the Republican and early Imperial periods. Topics covered include: the origin myths of the city and its inhabitants, the development and challenges of Republican government, the spread of Roman power through Italy and the Mediterranean world, the changes to Roman culture, society and economy which resulted from this power, the breakdown of the Republic and establishment of an imperial system and the environments and experiences of some of the people who lived in Rome and its empire throughout this period. Because the course covers such a broad historical period, the focus is on giving an overall sense of changes and developments, rather than a detailed narrative. More in-depth analysis of specific periods can be undertaken at stages 2 and 3. Because this is a stage one course, you will also be instructed in some of the skills necessary for doing ancient history at University level. Tutorials will discuss course materials, but also focus on how to use both primary and secondary texts in a critical manner, how to formulate and produce an historical argument, how to reference sources correctly and how to prepare for and do well in exams. Both coursework and exam work will evaluate these skills, in addition to your knowledge of the subject matter.