History and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The main objective of the class is offering an analysis of the Bronze Age Mesopotamian cultures in their historical development, from 4th to the end of the 2nd millennium BC, through the combined evaluation of archaeological and textual sources.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: achievement of a basic knowledge of the history and archaeology of ancient Mesopotamia during the Bronze Age. General understanding of the cultural interactions and exchange patterns in relation with the various historical contexts, the methodology of analysis and interpretation of the textual and archaeological sources.
Applying knowledge and understanding: achievement of applying knowledge for a critical analysis of the historic and archaeological evidence from ancient Mesopotamia, with a systematic evaluation of the interaction modes and exchange patterns. Applying understanding of the analytical methodology for the reconstruction of the main elements of the ancient Mesopotamian cultures. Applying knowledge of bibliographical research and thematic analysis achieved during the class.
Applying knowledge and understanding: achievement of applying knowledge for a critical analysis of the historic and archaeological evidence from ancient Mesopotamia, with a systematic evaluation of the interaction modes and exchange patterns. Applying understanding of the analytical methodology for the reconstruction of the main elements of the ancient Mesopotamian cultures. Applying knowledge of bibliographical research and thematic analysis achieved during the class.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
If the health situation will not allow teaching at the university, a digital classroom with online lessons will be organized with the same course's schedule using Microsoft Teams e-learning platform. the recorded lessons will be uploaded on Ariel together with additional materials and images. A forum will be created and online activities indicated on the same platform to facilitate students' interaction.
Course syllabus
The course deals with an analysis of the cultures of Greater Mesopotamia in their diachronic development during the Bronze Age, from the mid-4th to the end of the 2nd millennium BC (Early, Middle and Late Bronze Ages) taking into account the epigraphic and archaeological evidence. Main teaching topics:
- analysis of the various socio-economic structures
- reconstruction of the exchange and trade models
- presentation of textual, visual and material information on cultic and ritual activities
- definition of the ideology of power through its textual, visual and material expression.
The course is divided in three teaching sections (20 hours and 3 ECTS each), covering the three main phases of the Bronze Age:
A) from urban revolution to the rise of the first interregional kingdoms in the Early Bronze Age (c. c. 3500-2000 BC);
B) the organization of territorial states during the Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000-1600 BC);
C) the development of international relations and the birth of the first empires during the Bronze Age (c. 1600-1200 BC).
Students can opt for two didactic sections (A+B, B+C, A+C; 6 ECTS) or three didactic sections (A+B+C; 9 ECTS).
- analysis of the various socio-economic structures
- reconstruction of the exchange and trade models
- presentation of textual, visual and material information on cultic and ritual activities
- definition of the ideology of power through its textual, visual and material expression.
The course is divided in three teaching sections (20 hours and 3 ECTS each), covering the three main phases of the Bronze Age:
A) from urban revolution to the rise of the first interregional kingdoms in the Early Bronze Age (c. c. 3500-2000 BC);
B) the organization of territorial states during the Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000-1600 BC);
C) the development of international relations and the birth of the first empires during the Bronze Age (c. 1600-1200 BC).
Students can opt for two didactic sections (A+B, B+C, A+C; 6 ECTS) or three didactic sections (A+B+C; 9 ECTS).
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission, although a general knowledge of archaeology and history of Antiquity, in particular on ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, acquired during the undergraduate degree programme allows a better understanding of the methodology of analysis of the various topics.
Teaching methods
Each teaching section consist of a series of frontal lessons (with the help of powerpoint presentation, multimedia, 3-D models and on-line material) and lectures given by Italian and international scholars dealing with current researches on texts, archaeological material and sites.
Each lesson/lecture is integrated by a final discussion with the class in order to stimulate a critical debate and the in-progress applied knowledge.
E-learning material is uploaded and made available on the Ariel platform and includes copy-left figures, tables and notes of the lectures, additional materials (open-access articles) and links to further resources (websites, videos), bibliography and sitography. Material related with in-depth topics for non-attending students will be available on the Ariel platform.
Attendance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.
Each lesson/lecture is integrated by a final discussion with the class in order to stimulate a critical debate and the in-progress applied knowledge.
E-learning material is uploaded and made available on the Ariel platform and includes copy-left figures, tables and notes of the lectures, additional materials (open-access articles) and links to further resources (websites, videos), bibliography and sitography. Material related with in-depth topics for non-attending students will be available on the Ariel platform.
Attendance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
Teaching Section A
- class notes
- A. Invernizzi, Dal Tigri all'Eufrate - I. Sumeri e Accadi, Le Lettere, Torino 2007
- L. Peyronel, Storia e Archeologia del commercio nell'Oriente antico, Carocci, Roma 2008 (chapters 1-4)
Teaching Section B
- class notes
- A. Invernizzi, Dal Tigri all'Eufrate - II. Babilonesi e Assiri, Le Lettere, Torino 2007 (chapter I)
- L. Peyronel, Storia e Archeologia del commercio nell'Oriente antico, Carocci, Roma 2008 (chapters 1-2, 5-6)
Teaching Section C
- class notes
- A. Invernizzi, Dal Tigri all'Eufrate - II. Babilonesi e Assiri, Le Lettere, Torino 2007 (chapter II)
- L. Peyronel, Storia e Archeologia del commercio nell'Oriente antico, Carocci, Roma 2008 (chapters 1-2, 7-8).
Non-attending students
Teaching Section A
In addition to the attending student's programme:
- P. Matthiae, Prima lezione di archeologia orientale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2015
- one in-depth topic with related readings and bibliography (students are requested to contact the professor in charge of the course for the topic)
Teaching Section B
In addition to the attending student's program:
- P. Matthiae, Prima lezione di archeologia orientale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2015
- one in-depth topic with related readings and bibliography (students are requested to contact the professor in charge of the course for the topic)
Teaching Section C
In addition to the attending student's program:
- P. Matthiae, Prima lezione di archeologia orientale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2015
- one in-depth topic with related readings and bibliography (students are requested to contact the professor in charge of the course for the topic)
Teaching Section A
- class notes
- A. Invernizzi, Dal Tigri all'Eufrate - I. Sumeri e Accadi, Le Lettere, Torino 2007
- L. Peyronel, Storia e Archeologia del commercio nell'Oriente antico, Carocci, Roma 2008 (chapters 1-4)
Teaching Section B
- class notes
- A. Invernizzi, Dal Tigri all'Eufrate - II. Babilonesi e Assiri, Le Lettere, Torino 2007 (chapter I)
- L. Peyronel, Storia e Archeologia del commercio nell'Oriente antico, Carocci, Roma 2008 (chapters 1-2, 5-6)
Teaching Section C
- class notes
- A. Invernizzi, Dal Tigri all'Eufrate - II. Babilonesi e Assiri, Le Lettere, Torino 2007 (chapter II)
- L. Peyronel, Storia e Archeologia del commercio nell'Oriente antico, Carocci, Roma 2008 (chapters 1-2, 7-8).
Non-attending students
Teaching Section A
In addition to the attending student's programme:
- P. Matthiae, Prima lezione di archeologia orientale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2015
- one in-depth topic with related readings and bibliography (students are requested to contact the professor in charge of the course for the topic)
Teaching Section B
In addition to the attending student's program:
- P. Matthiae, Prima lezione di archeologia orientale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2015
- one in-depth topic with related readings and bibliography (students are requested to contact the professor in charge of the course for the topic)
Teaching Section C
In addition to the attending student's program:
- P. Matthiae, Prima lezione di archeologia orientale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2015
- one in-depth topic with related readings and bibliography (students are requested to contact the professor in charge of the course for the topic)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment consists in an oral examination related to the topics listed in the teaching programme (2 teaching sections, 6 ECTS, 3 teaching sections, 9 ECTS), and include identification and description of art works, monuments and written documents, which should be correctly placed in their spatial and temporal framework. The evaluation (from a minimum of 18 to a maximum of 30/30 cum laude) takes into account the following assessment criteria: completeness and clarity in the presentation of the acquired knowledge of the topics, ability in the discursive argumentation and critical capacity, ability to use appropriate language, also in relation to the specific terminology of the discipline.
International and Erasmus incoming students are requested to contact the professor in charge of the course.
The assessment methods for SLD students and students with other disabilities should be agreed with the professor in charge of the course and with the responsible university office.
International and Erasmus incoming students are requested to contact the professor in charge of the course.
The assessment methods for SLD students and students with other disabilities should be agreed with the professor in charge of the course and with the responsible university office.
Unita' didattica A
L-OR/05 - ANCIENT NEAR EAST ARCHAEOLOGY AND ART HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-OR/05 - ANCIENT NEAR EAST ARCHAEOLOGY AND ART HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-OR/05 - ANCIENT NEAR EAST ARCHAEOLOGY AND ART HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
on wednesday - 9 - 12 a.m. (appointment by writing an email or by chat on microsoft teams
Online-Microsoft Teams; in Person (Dipartimento Studi Letterari, Filologici e LInguistici - Sezione Glottologia e Orientalistica - Cortile d'Onore, piano ammezzato, Room AT 021)