Part One. Selections from Ancient Sources for Comment
Consider what kind of source is it (literary, documentary, archaeological). Although the author is
identified, you should nonetheless comment on authorial bias, or approach, or audience as it is relevant to
the selection that you are writing about.
Comment on both the general significance of the selection to Roman history, culture or society, and on
any important specific details of the passage (are particular people, places, events, institutions mentioned
that you can comment on?) Sometimes a selection may connect to other ancient sources that you have
read in this class and you may be able to make connections between them to help you further analyze and
explain the selection. Provide dates where applicable. Avoid simply re-telling or narrating the contents of
the selection.
Close reading and analysis are key.
All of the images are from the second half of the course (Modules 7-12). Remember, when answering this
section, to consider how it connects to what was covered in those modules—that is, the larger themes (the
mechanisms that kept the empire together, the economy, religion, etc.).
Sample Solution