Fall of the Roman Republic
June 29 - July 10, 2026
The Roman Republic did not fall quietly—it collapsed amid ambition, violence, and competing visions of power. This course will investigate all the high drama of the rise and fall of Caesar, the end of the Republic, and the birth of the Empire. Join Calder Classics to explore the most studied and most crucial moment in all of Roman history!
Fall of the Roman Republic
In the space of a single century, Rome moved from republican government to imperial rule, reshaping its institutions, culture, and identity. Students will analyze one of the most pivotal moments in ancient history as seen through the eyes of the key players: Sulla, Crassus, Pompey, Caesar, Cicero, Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian (aka the first Roman emperor, Augustus). The course will examine primary sources (in translation) as well as some secondary analysis to work out how much of the Republic’s downfall was preventable, as well as whether some people or events were more responsible than others.
2026 DATES AND FEES
June 29 – July 10, 2026
Monday – Friday
1 – 3pm EDT
This is an online, synchronous course, so students will be expected to join on time, participate in discussions, and keep their cameras on for the duration of the class.
Course Fee: $1500.
This session is subject to a minimum of 3 students enrolled. The fee includes instruction and course materials (certain additional books may need to be purchased).
Application Deadline
The priority deadline has passed but we are still accepting applications for this program on a rolling admissions basis while space is available. Applications will be considered as they are received and acceptances will be granted based on careful consideration by our staff as long as spots are still available. Your application will be processed and you will receive a reply regarding your acceptance status within one to two weeks of your submission date provided that we have received your teacher reference.
Our Scholars
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Hugh McElroy
Hugh McElroy
Hugh McElroy, B.A., Georgetown University, M.St. University of Oxford, teaches Latin at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. Hugh fell into teaching after three years of touring and recording in a punk band. He thought it would be a one-year job but, 20 years later, he is still excited about developing his teaching practice. An avid gardener, cook, and traveler, Hugh is happiest eating vegetables harvested from the volcanic soil of Campania after a day scrambling over archaeological sites. He and his husband Kevin live with two cats, Clare and Francis, who were adopted after a trip to Assisi in 2017. Hugh co-led our 2023 Reading Latin + Roman Imperial History program in Rome with Zoe Fox and our 2024 Reading Latin + Roman History program in Rome with Crispin Corrado.
