A Tale of two Ancient Cities: Roman Paris and London

Learn ancient history and archaeology with our history short courses in Sydney!

Millions of people visit Paris and London every year, but not all are aware of the rich Roman history hidden within these iconic cities. Join this online course to uncover the ancient foundations of Paris and London. Explore their Roman fortifications, forums, baths, amphitheatres, and temples, all richly illustrated with photos and insights from recent visits by your expert lecturer. Make your next trip extraordinary by discovering the secrets beneath the surface of these remarkable cities.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Roman history course, you should be able to:

• Identify key historical periods in the Roman Empire as they relate to Paris and London.
• Describe the architectural and archaeological significance of Roman remains in both cities.
• Understand the evolution of Roman Lutetia (Paris) and Londinium (London).
• Appreciate the connections between Roman and Celtic art and architecture.
• Discuss the importance of newly opened archaeological sites in London.

Course content

This online course runs over three weeks, with weekly 2.2-hour sessions, including time for Q&A. Sessions cover the following:

Session 1: Introduction and Roman Paris Part A

Discover the Roman presence in Gaul, the pre-Roman habitation of Paris, and the origins of Roman Lutetia.

Session 2: Roman Paris Part B

Continue exploring Roman Lutetia, focusing on key buildings and monuments and their historical significance.

Session 3: Roman London

Trace the beginnings of Londinium after the Roman invasion of Britain and explore Roman remains still visible in modern London, including newly opened archaeological areas.

Additional resources

The course will be conducted via Zoom, with detailed course notes provided.