The Emperors of Ancient Rome were among the most powerful rulers who have ever lived and often their reigns were characterized by barbaric excesses, wild luxury, reckless negligence, and unrestrained brutality. The names of some are infamous: Caligula, Nero, Domitian, Commodus. But for the span of almost a century, from 96 AD to 180 AD, the Roman Empire was ruled by five emperors, known to history as "The Good Emperors" — Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus, and Marcus Aurelius. Their successive reigns constituted an era of peace, stability, prosperity, and progress, as a result of their good rule and effective administration of the largest empire in antiquity. This era of "The Good Emperors" also witnessed the production of some of the most extraordinary architectural, engineering, and literary wonders of the ancient world — such as Trajan's Column, Hadrian's Pantheon, Marcus Aurelius' Meditations — as well as the works of the philosopher Epictetus and the historians, Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, and Arrian. This course will introduce members to the wonders, history, architecture, visual arts, literature, and philosophy of "The Good Emperors" of Rome.

6 Weeks
Tuesdays, October 14 - November 18
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In person and simulcast