Civilizations of the Ancient Near East

The main objective of the class is giving an overview of the ancient Near Eastern cultures (Levant, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Iran), in their historical development, from the urban revolution of the 4th millennium BC to the end of the Babylonian empire in 539 BC.

Knowledge and understanding: achievement of a general understanding of the pre-classic cultures of the Levant, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Iran in their diachronic development through the analysis of textual, iconographic and archaeological sources. Basic knowledge of the methodology of analysis and history of the research, from the beginning of the near eastern studies to the current challenges, also in relation with the geo-political situation of the Middle East.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Applying knowledge of a critical evaluation of the ancient Near Eastern cultures. Understanding of the various cultural aspects in relation to the chronological and geographical framework, recognizing the different paths of the historic development in each macro-regions (Levant, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and Iran).