Come and discover Europe’s oldest roots in the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome! This two week course will bring you to the heart of Rome, where you will learn about the political, social and religious history behind the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages and the birth of the Renaissance and Baroque . You will study the astonishing Italian accomplishments of the Ancient to early modern era, with its significance for Europe. More importantly, you will visit many of the most amazing remains that still sit proudly nowadays!

During these two weeks we will travel through Roman and Italian history, studying its fascinating political, religious and cultural development in relation to Europe. Beautiful Rome was and is, in various ways, the ancestor of modern Europe: capital of the glorious Roman Empire, Rome rebuilt itself towards the end of the Middle Ages to rival the Florentine Renaissance . It even became the birthplace of the Baroque, with genius artists like Bernini and Borromini. We will explore the city of Rome, enjoying its remarkable architecture, art and museums, like the Pantheon, the forums of Caesar and Augustus, the Capitoline museum, the accomplishments of Michelangelo on Saint Peter’s Basilica and the many beautiful early churches like the Santa Prassede. During classes we will treat topics like the Roman Republic and Empire, ancient religion – including the birth of Christianity – and the confusing Middle Ages that were characterizes by political and religious strive . After we treated the Renaissance and Baroque period, we will even glimpse ahead shortly to Mussolini’s Rome. By the end of the course you will have seen some of the most breath-taking highlights of European history and have unravelled the politics behind it , making this a truly interactive course!

Course leader

drs. Wendelijn van der Leest, Mphil

When: 22 June 2015 – 3 July 2015 & 6 July – 17 July 2015

Duration: 2 weeks

Credits: 4 ECTS

Fee: EUR 1295 incl housing Rome city centre