This course examines Roman life during the reign of the emperor Nero through a comprehensive study of Petronian satire. Students read selections from the Cena Trimalchionis and gain a view of the first-century Roman world along with insights into conversational Latin, social changes, and how the prosperity of the empire led to displays of very conspicuous consumption—all contained within a Roman “novel” written during the Silver Age of Latin literature.

Prerequisite: Latin 3.