18 Classics
General
Western Civilization: A Concise History
These three volumes cover introductory concepts in western civilization, from Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. Reviews are available through the Open Textbook Library from Volumes 1, 2, and 3.
Western Civilization
This peer-reviewed, open Lumen Learning course covers introductory concepts in western civilization, from the Hittites to the Protestant Reformation.
Includes: Key terms
Roman Gods
Though not a textbook, this open access book analyzes the pagan, Jewish, and Christian concepts of “god” along the lines of space, time, personnel, function, iconography and ritual.
The Roman Empire
It covers introductory concepts in the roman empire.
Includes: Timeline
Mythology Unbound: An Online Textbook for Classical Mythology
It covers introductory concepts in classical mythology, from Aegis to Zeus. Reviews available on the Open Textbook Library.
Includes: Map
Classical Texts with Commentaries
Cicero, On Pompey’s Command (De Imperio), 27-49. Latin Text, Study Aids with Vocabulary, Commentary, and Translation
This course book offers a portion of the original Latin text, vocabulary, and commentary. Reviews are available from the Open Textbook Library.
Includes: Vocabulary terms
Cicero, Against Verres, 2.1.53-86. Latin Text with Introduction, Study Questions, Commentary and English Translation
This volume provides a portion of the original text of Cicero’s speech in Latin, a detailed commentary, study aids, and a translation.
Includes: Vocabulary, map
Ovid, Amores (Book 1)
From Catullus to Horace, the tradition of Latin erotic poetry produced works of literature which are still read throughout the world. Ovid’s Amores, written in the first century BC, is arguably the best-known and most popular collection in this tradition. Introductory essays included. Reviews available through the Open Textbook Library.
Includes: Suggested reading, embedded audio files of the original text read aloud
Ovid, Metamorphoses, 3.511-733. Latin Text with Commentary
This course book offers a wide-ranging introduction, the original Latin text, study aids with vocabulary, and an extensive commentary. This extract from Ovid’s ‘Theban History’ recounts the confrontation of Pentheus, king of Thebes, with his divine cousin, Bacchus, the god of wine.
Includes: Commentary, glossary
Tacitus, Annals, 15.20-23, 33-45. Latin Text, Study Aids with Vocabulary, and Commentary
This course book offers a portion of the original Latin text, study aids with vocabulary, and a commentary. It extends beyond detailed linguistic analysis and historical background to encourage critical engagement with Tacitus’ prose and discussion of the most recent scholarly thought. Reviews available through the Open Textbook Library.
Includes: Vocabulary aid, maps, family tree
Virgil, Aeneid, 4.1-299. Latin Text, Study Questions, Commentary and Interpretative Essays
This course book offers a portion of the original Latin text, study questions, a commentary, and interpretative essays. Designed to stretch and stimulate readers, Ingo Gildenhard’s incisive commentary will be of particular interest to students of Latin at both A2 and undergraduate level. It extends beyond detailed linguistic analysis to encourage critical engagement with Virgil’s poetry and discussion of the most recent scholarly thought. Reviews available through the Open Textbook Library.
Includes: Study questions, bibliography
Mille Fabulae et Una: 1001 Aesop’s Fables in Latin
These fables are organized by main character. An overview of the fable genre is also included.
Language
For language learning resources see the Latin and Ancient Greek section of the Languages chapter.