Romans: The Historians
Rome through the eyes of its historians
Romans: The Historians guides students through the writings of Livy, Tacitus, Sallust, Julius Caesar, Plutarch, Quintilian, and Cicero. Discover the original works that chronicle the early history of Rome from Monarchy, through Republic, to Empire. In this unit you will discover how the Roman philosophy of history shaped the lives and culture of the Roman people, how the Roman historians recognized the signs of cultural decay in their own day, and finally, how the persecution of the Early Church played a critical role in the spread of Christianity throughout the empire.
13 lectures, eight hours
Each lecture opens with a short review, then summary, commentary and connections across history, art and theology. Watch Lecture 1 free.
- 1Lesson 1a: Philosophy of History and the MonarchyFree29 min
- 2Lesson 1b: Philosophy of History and the Monarchy (Continued)12 min
- 3The Beginning and Heroes of the Republic47 min
- 4Threats to the Republic44 min
- 5The Republic in Decay29 min
- 6The Gallic Wars32 min
- 7Philosophy of History and Tiberius58 min
- 8Claudius32 min
- 9Nero42 min
- 10Demosthenes and Cicero34 min
- 11Alexander and Caesar41 min
- 12Cicero29 min
- 13Other Historians and Review of Roman Historians32 min
Lecture 1 · Lesson 1a: Philosophy of History and the Monarchy · 29 min · freePlays here on the page. Every lecture streams and downloads in the Roman Roads app once you own the course.
What your student reads
- LivyThe Early History of Rome
- SallustThe Jugurthine War, The Conspiracy of Catiline
- Julius CaesarThe Gallic Wars
- TacitusAnnals
- PlutarchLives
- CiceroAgainst Verres, Against Antony, On Duties
- SuetoniusLife of Augustus
- Pliny and TrajanLetters
- QuintilianInstitutio Oratoria
Every assigned text is in the Historians Reader (Vol. 6), as a printed book or the eBook that comes with the course. Students are welcome to use other editions of the great books they already own with this course. The video lectures reference Latin or Greek line numbers, which allows a broader use of editions for those who prefer to bring their own.
The Historians
806 pages · 6 × 9 in. · paperback $32 · hardback $45 · eBook included with the course
About this Reader
Questions
Is The Historians right for a younger student?
Old Western Culture is intended for mature and discerning students; we recommend it for ages 14 and up. The course deals with mature themes such as paganism, sexual immorality, battle scenes (mostly in the reading) and classical paintings, and is meant to equip your child with a Biblical lens for them. We assume a working knowledge of the Bible and basic Christian doctrine.
How much credit is it?
One unit is half a high-school credit in literature or history; a full year of four units is two credits.
How long does a unit take?
Nine weeks: one lecture a week, with the reading and the questions between. The Honors schedule reads everything; the Essentials schedule reads a shorter selection and still watches every lecture.
Do we need the printed Reader?
No. The Reader eBook is in the app with the course, and the editions already on your shelf work too. We do recommend reading in print, whether that is our Reader, a Roman Roads Classic where one exists, or your own copy; the Reader’s advantage is every assigned text in one volume.
Can a co-op or school use it?
Yes. Students watch at home and discuss in class, or a teacher lectures live. Ask us about group licensing.
Is it a subscription?
No. You buy it once and it is yours for life.
Romans: The Historians
The complete digital course, from $74.75. Add the printed Reader and workbook above.