Ancient Topography
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide an integrated understanding of Ancient Topography, conceived as the study of interactions between humans and their environment in a relationship of mutual influence. It explores how human activities transformed the landscape and how, in turn, the natural environment conditioned such activities in the ancient world. The course presents the principal sources employed by the discipline (literary, epigraphic, iconographic, toponymic and cartographic), the key elements through which human activity is expressed in the territory (settlements, communication routes, infrastructures) and the methodologies for identifying and interpreting of historical and archaeological data essential to the integrated reconstruction of ancient landscapes. In addition, the course introduces a specialised area of the Digital Humanities, illustrating the use of digital applications for the documentation, management and analysis of the diachronic development of territories.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: By the end of the course, students will have acquired an in-depth knowledge of the main themes of Ancient Topography and of the methodological issues specific to the discipline within the context of classical research. They will be able to critically analyse different types of sources and identify the principal forms of organisation and transformation of the ancient landscape. Finally, they will be capable of understanding the most appropriate approaches for the diachronic study of urban and rural landscapes, with the ability to situate environmental and settlement transformations within an integrated historical and archaeological framework.
Skills: By the end of the course, students will be able to apply the methodological and technical tools required to carry out topographical research, demonstrating skills in operational procedures, the main survey techniques and the use of GIS software, through which they will experiment with spatial analysis methods and cartographic processing.
Skills: By the end of the course, students will be able to apply the methodological and technical tools required to carry out topographical research, demonstrating skills in operational procedures, the main survey techniques and the use of GIS software, through which they will experiment with spatial analysis methods and cartographic processing.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Teaching Unit A (20 hours; 3 ECTS): History and Methodologies of Ancient Topography.
Teaching Unit A introduces the historical, theoretical, and methodological foundations of Ancient Topography as a discipline concerned with the reconstruction and interpretation of ancient landscapes. Through a critical analysis of the main categories of ancient and modern sources, the unit provides the conceptual tools necessary to understand how space is investigated, documented, and interpreted within a diachronic perspective. The unit also examines the processes through which topographical data are produced and the integration of different sources in the construction of interpretative landscape models, with specific reference to historical and modern cartography, field survey, surveying and remote sensing techniques, as well as the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital tools applied to the analysis of archaeological landscapes.
Teaching Unit B (20 hours; 3 ECTS): Town and Countryside: The Cultural Landscape.
Teaching Unit B examines the cultural landscape as the outcome of long-term interactions between settlements, infrastructure, and the environment, with particular attention to the relationship between towns and their surrounding countryside in the Greek and Roman worlds. Through a topographical reading of urban forms and territorial networks, supported by thematic cartography, multimedia visualisations, and two- and three-dimensional spatial models, the unit analyses the relationships between public and private spaces, productive areas, systems of communication, and modes of land organisation. The unit highlights how settlement patterns and urban planning choices shape the cultural landscape over time, providing interpretative tools for understanding the ancient town as part of a complex and dynamic spatial system.
Teaching Unit C (20 hours; 3 ECTS): Topographical Analysis of Residential Spaces in the Ancient Mediterranean.
Teaching Unit C is devoted to the topographical analysis of residential spaces in their relationship with urban and territorial contexts, approaching dwelling as a fundamental component in the construction of landscape. Through the analysis of domestic architecture in the ancient Mediterranean, supported by digital models, three-dimensional reconstructions, and spatial analysis tools, the unit examines the organisation, distribution, and articulation of private spaces, relating spatial configurations to the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the communities that produced them.
Teaching Unit A introduces the historical, theoretical, and methodological foundations of Ancient Topography as a discipline concerned with the reconstruction and interpretation of ancient landscapes. Through a critical analysis of the main categories of ancient and modern sources, the unit provides the conceptual tools necessary to understand how space is investigated, documented, and interpreted within a diachronic perspective. The unit also examines the processes through which topographical data are produced and the integration of different sources in the construction of interpretative landscape models, with specific reference to historical and modern cartography, field survey, surveying and remote sensing techniques, as well as the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital tools applied to the analysis of archaeological landscapes.
Teaching Unit B (20 hours; 3 ECTS): Town and Countryside: The Cultural Landscape.
Teaching Unit B examines the cultural landscape as the outcome of long-term interactions between settlements, infrastructure, and the environment, with particular attention to the relationship between towns and their surrounding countryside in the Greek and Roman worlds. Through a topographical reading of urban forms and territorial networks, supported by thematic cartography, multimedia visualisations, and two- and three-dimensional spatial models, the unit analyses the relationships between public and private spaces, productive areas, systems of communication, and modes of land organisation. The unit highlights how settlement patterns and urban planning choices shape the cultural landscape over time, providing interpretative tools for understanding the ancient town as part of a complex and dynamic spatial system.
Teaching Unit C (20 hours; 3 ECTS): Topographical Analysis of Residential Spaces in the Ancient Mediterranean.
Teaching Unit C is devoted to the topographical analysis of residential spaces in their relationship with urban and territorial contexts, approaching dwelling as a fundamental component in the construction of landscape. Through the analysis of domestic architecture in the ancient Mediterranean, supported by digital models, three-dimensional reconstructions, and spatial analysis tools, the unit examines the organisation, distribution, and articulation of private spaces, relating spatial configurations to the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the communities that produced them.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no formal prerequisites for admission. Nevertheless, for more effective and rewarding engagement in the course, a general competence in ancient history and/or classical archaeology is recommended.
Teaching methods
The course consists of in-class lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, images, and video materials, designed to foster a critical understanding of the subject matter. A dedicated sub-unit focuses on computer-based applications in topography, introducing digital tools and strengthening students' methodological skills. The course also includes museum-based teaching visits aimed at the direct observation and discussion of archaeological evidence and its spatial organisation.
Teaching Resources
For attending students:
Teaching Unit A
L. QUILICI, S. QUILICI GIGLI, "Introduzione alla Topografia antica", ed. Il Mulino, Bologna 2004 (and subsequent reprints).
E. FARINETTI, "I paesaggi in archeologia: analisi e interpretazione", Carocci Editore, Roma 2012 (and subsequent reprints).
Teaching Unit B
F. FABIANI, "L'urbanistica: città e paesaggi", Carocci Editore, Roma 2014 (and subsequent reprints).
Teaching Unit C
Topics covered during lectures.
For further study: optional readings of specific essays indicated during lectures and on the dedicated myAriel site.
For NON-attending students:
Teaching Unit A
L. QUILICI, S. QUILICI GIGLI, "Introduzione alla Topografia antica", ed. Il Mulino, Bologna 2004 (and subsequent reprints).
E. FARINETTI, "I paesaggi in archeologia: analisi e interpretazione", Carocci Editore, Roma 2012 (and subsequent reprints).
Teaching Unit B
F. FABIANI, "L'urbanistica: città e paesaggi", Carocci Editore, Roma 2014 (and subsequent reprints).
L. THOMMEN, "L'ambiente nel mondo antico", ed. Il Mulino, Bologna 2014.
Teaching Unit C
M.S. BUSANA, "L'edilizia abitativa nel nel mondo classico", Carocci editore, Roma 2018, chapters 2 (pp. 53-65, pp. 69-107), 3, 4 (p. 147 and pp. 154-229), 5 (p. 233 and pp. 261-315), 6 (pp. 317-318 and pp. 327-364).
For all students: lecture slides will be made available on the dedicated myAriel site.
To obtain 6 credits, students are required to prepare Teaching Units A and B.
To obtain 9 credits, students are required to prepare Teaching Units A, B and C.
Teaching Unit A
L. QUILICI, S. QUILICI GIGLI, "Introduzione alla Topografia antica", ed. Il Mulino, Bologna 2004 (and subsequent reprints).
E. FARINETTI, "I paesaggi in archeologia: analisi e interpretazione", Carocci Editore, Roma 2012 (and subsequent reprints).
Teaching Unit B
F. FABIANI, "L'urbanistica: città e paesaggi", Carocci Editore, Roma 2014 (and subsequent reprints).
Teaching Unit C
Topics covered during lectures.
For further study: optional readings of specific essays indicated during lectures and on the dedicated myAriel site.
For NON-attending students:
Teaching Unit A
L. QUILICI, S. QUILICI GIGLI, "Introduzione alla Topografia antica", ed. Il Mulino, Bologna 2004 (and subsequent reprints).
E. FARINETTI, "I paesaggi in archeologia: analisi e interpretazione", Carocci Editore, Roma 2012 (and subsequent reprints).
Teaching Unit B
F. FABIANI, "L'urbanistica: città e paesaggi", Carocci Editore, Roma 2014 (and subsequent reprints).
L. THOMMEN, "L'ambiente nel mondo antico", ed. Il Mulino, Bologna 2014.
Teaching Unit C
M.S. BUSANA, "L'edilizia abitativa nel nel mondo classico", Carocci editore, Roma 2018, chapters 2 (pp. 53-65, pp. 69-107), 3, 4 (p. 147 and pp. 154-229), 5 (p. 233 and pp. 261-315), 6 (pp. 317-318 and pp. 327-364).
For all students: lecture slides will be made available on the dedicated myAriel site.
To obtain 6 credits, students are required to prepare Teaching Units A and B.
To obtain 9 credits, students are required to prepare Teaching Units A, B and C.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The expected learning outcomes will be assessed through an oral examination. The examination consists of an interview on the topics covered in the syllabus, designed to verify the knowledge acquired. During the interview, images presented in class or included in the prescribed bibliography will be shown and the student will be expected to identify and contextualise them.
Assessment will take into account the student's ability to present acquired knowledge clearly and thoroughly, the capacity for critical reasoning, the quality of exposition and the command of specialised vocabulary.
The final grade is awarded on a 30-point scale, with 18 as the minimum passing grade and 30 cum laude as the highest distinction.
International and Erasmus incoming students are requested to contact the course professor well in advance. Students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties (DSA) must discuss the examination arrangements with the course professor in accordance with the relevant University Office.
Assessment will take into account the student's ability to present acquired knowledge clearly and thoroughly, the capacity for critical reasoning, the quality of exposition and the command of specialised vocabulary.
The final grade is awarded on a 30-point scale, with 18 as the minimum passing grade and 30 cum laude as the highest distinction.
International and Erasmus incoming students are requested to contact the course professor well in advance. Students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties (DSA) must discuss the examination arrangements with the course professor in accordance with the relevant University Office.
Modules or teaching units
Unita' didattica A
L-ANT/09 - ANCIENT TOPOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-ANT/09 - ANCIENT TOPOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-ANT/09 - ANCIENT TOPOGRAPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)