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Registration for our next online course, with Professor Bruce Gibson, The Idea of Decline: Make Rome Great Again? is now open here:
https://www.hellenicandromanlibrary.org/Events/Event-Registration/EventId/24
Wednesday 14, 21, 28 January, 4, 11 February,Β 6-7.30pm (UK time)
Watch the sessions live, or catch up by watching the recordings later at your own convenience.
This online course looks at the idea of decline, both in the ancient world and in later periods. Decline as a concept emerges as something which is deeply rooted and even something which is paradoxically appealing and convenient as an idea, often exploited by those seeking to advance political or social agendas.
Session 1 – 14 January:
Introduction: Ancient Perspectives on Political Decline
This session briefly introduces the idea of decline as something whose resonances continue to echo right down to the present day. The main focus of the session will be on ancient approaches to political decline. Authors considered during the session will include Herodotus, Xenophon, Polybius and Tacitus.
Session 2 – 21 January:
Decline and Moral Criticism: Writing Decline
The second session will turn to ideas of moral decline in the ancient world. Moral decline is sometimes simply observed, but on occasions it is an idea that can be exploited for other purposes. Authors who will be considered during this session include Hesiod, Thucydides, Sallust and Lucan.
Session 3 – 28 January:
Looking at the fall of the Roman empire
This session will look at ancient responses to events of the fourth and fifth centuries that are often referred to as the fall of the Roman empire. The main focus will be on seeing the representation of change and decline.
Session 4 – 4 February:
The irresistible lure of decline
This session turns to the reception of ancient decline in later periods and will include consideration of Gibbonβs highly influential approach to the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
Session 5 – 11 February:
The rhetoric of decline in contemporary society
The final session of the course looks at the resonance of decline as a concept in current political and social discourse. Ancient decline is frequently evoked and exploited in such contexts. More broadly, the idea of decline can be a powerful rhetorical weapon which can be used to advance political agendas.