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Volume 5: Roman Emperors: Septimius Severus and Constantine with Dr. Dimo Kosmopoulos

Volume 5: Roman Emperors: Septimius Severus and Constantine with Dr. Dimo Kosmopoulos


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The golden age of the Roman Empire ended with the last of the “five good emperors”, Marcus Aurelius; after him, his son, Commodus, opened the way to the long and tormented decline of the principatus. 
We will together dive into history and archaeology, mainly focusing on the years of Septimius Severus and Constantine. Our approach will lead us to learn more about this period through the archaeological artifacts and the monuments of Rome of the Severan Dynasty and of Constantine. 
Our conversation begins with an introduction to the first Roman emperor of African origin, Septimius Severus. He was born in Libya and raised his son Caracalla to be his successor. 
Under the Severan dynasty rule, the Roman legions fought from Mesopotamia, conquering the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon, to northern Britain. These victories are still today heralded by monuments that have survived across modern-day Rome. 
After the restoration of Diocletian, the first thirty years of the 4th century AD will be dominated by Emperor Constantine. His victories in the Roman civil war, above the Battle of Milvian Bridge, are still today skillfully displayed in the grand Arch of Constantine that stands next to the Colosseum. His political and religious revolution, along with a monetary reform and the foundation of Constantinople will be a true turning point in Roman history–reinforced by his urbanistic program in Rome, especially with the construction of the first Christian Basilicas. 
Led by Dimosthenis Kosmopoulos, a classical archaeologist, this Conversation will focus on the history and archaeology of the times of Septimius Severus and Constantine. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge of the main historic dynamics and several of the most iconic monuments of the city of Rome. 
This conversation is the fifth in a five-part series. Each seminar can be joined independently and in any order. 

During his university studies at “La Sapienza” in Rome, Dimosthenis participated in several national and international projects, such as the study of Latin epigraphy and Roman pottery as well as various archaeological excavations in different areas of Rome (Roman Forum, Palatine, Mausoleum of Augustus). His work as an archaeologist brought him to carry out research in classical art and architecture, exploring in particular the relationship between iconography and architecture as ancient Greek and Roman artistic expressions. Dimosthenis completed his Ph.D. with a thesis on temple architecture in the Italian peninsula during the Republican period. This topic became his area of expertise. His knowledge of archaeology, ancient art history and Roman architecture is the key that he uses to share his unique perspective on the Eternal City.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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(4)
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B
B. (Falls Church, US)
Addition to 4 Roman Emperors Course/Conversations

This stand-alone was a welcome addition to the 4-session course (in 2021) about the sets of Roman emperors, which since have been offered as individual conversations. Beyond the history, it highlights some of the themes from Dimo’s previous courses, like the roles of architecture and coins in political communication to the public. Dimo relies on his always-illuminating maps, timelines, and photos of art and artifacts. The conversation gets into the scrubbing of images and inscriptions relating to the younger son of Severus Septimius after his older brother took power for himself and killed his potential rival. Dimo also discusses the political role of Comstantine’s Edict of Milan, legitimizing Christianity and other minority belief systems.

J
J.E. (Frankfurt am Main, DE)
Excellent Presentation

Excellent and informative presentation as usual.

J
J.M. (San Leandro, US)
It’s Not Too Late To Meet the Roman Emperors!

Dr. Kosmopoulos knows the history of the Roman Republic and Roman Empire like no one else, and he’s excited to teach his audience about them. I’ve attended all five sessions of this program, and I’ve enjoyed every minute!

M
M.F. (Milton, US)
Excellent

Very informative with excellent visual aids

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
100%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B. (Falls Church, US)
Addition to 4 Roman Emperors Course/Conversations

This stand-alone was a welcome addition to the 4-session course (in 2021) about the sets of Roman emperors, which since have been offered as individual conversations. Beyond the history, it highlights some of the themes from Dimo’s previous courses, like the roles of architecture and coins in political communication to the public. Dimo relies on his always-illuminating maps, timelines, and photos of art and artifacts. The conversation gets into the scrubbing of images and inscriptions relating to the younger son of Severus Septimius after his older brother took power for himself and killed his potential rival. Dimo also discusses the political role of Comstantine’s Edict of Milan, legitimizing Christianity and other minority belief systems.

J
J.E. (Frankfurt am Main, DE)
Excellent Presentation

Excellent and informative presentation as usual.

J
J.M. (San Leandro, US)
It’s Not Too Late To Meet the Roman Emperors!

Dr. Kosmopoulos knows the history of the Roman Republic and Roman Empire like no one else, and he’s excited to teach his audience about them. I’ve attended all five sessions of this program, and I’ve enjoyed every minute!

M
M.F. (Milton, US)
Excellent

Very informative with excellent visual aids