Late Latin

Most of the literature that we read in Latin is from a relatively early period of the language's history; Classics curricula typically stop with Apuleius, who died in 170AD. However, Latin-speaking people wrote sophisticated texts, on every variety of topic both pagan and religious, for thousands of years after this. So: In this class we will defy convention and strike out to explore the rich tradition of Late Latin literature. Readings will include both ""literary"" and ""vernacular"" texts, covering (among other things) inscriptions, papyrus letters from Egypt and Africa, the poetry of Ausonius and Proba, selections from the history of Gregory of Tours, and the lively travelogue of Egeria. In parallel, we will also explore the history of Latin during the Empire, emphasizing the historical developments that distinguish Late Latin from ""Classical"" Latin. Students should be able to read Latin at an Intermediate-to-Advanced level, but no experience with linguistics, Late Latin, or Roman history is expected or required.