European and Mediterranean Archaeology, from Prehistory to Late Antiquity A

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the study of the material cultures and artistic expression of the ancient civilizations of the Italian Peninsula, and the earliest human cultures of the Eurasian continent (100.000 years ago - 1st millennium BC). The course is articulated into two parts:

Part A: Earliest human cultures of the Eurasian continent

The first part of the course is dedicated to the earliest evidence of anatomical modern humans in the Eurasian continent and to those traces witnessing the symbolic behaviour of the human groups until the Bronze Age.

In the absence of written sources, rock art, funerary practices, and votive depositions provide a preferential insight into non-literate societies.

With the aim of providing a comprehensive knowledge of the prehistoric cultures, this section of the course will deal with a diachronic and synchronic approach to those remains strictly linked to the symbolic behaviour e.g., rock art, votive deposition, funerary practices. At the same time students will be introduced to the most relevant and recent methodological approaches and strategies to document, analyse, promote and disseminate the prehistoric heritage.

Part B: Cultures of Pre-Roman Italy in the 1st Millennium BC

This component of the course explores the diverse cultures of pre-Roman Italy from the beginning of the Iron Age (late 10th century BC) through to the Augustan Principate, when the Italian peninsula was administratively reorganized into regions. Emphasis will be placed on intercultural exchange and connectivity within a broader Mediterranean context.

Through the study of iconographic, archaeological, epigraphic, and literary sources, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of these ancient societies and cultivate critical analytical skills. Additionally, selected thematic sessions will focus on the enhancement and digital valorisation of Etruscan cultural heritage using contemporary technolog

A. Earliest human cultures of the Eurasian continent

Students will acquire: 1) a general knowledge and understanding of the first cultures of the Eurasian continent, from the Palaeolithic hunter-gatherer groups to the Bronze Age well-structured societies, and those events (both natural e.g., climatic change, and anthropically induced e.g., massive exploitation of natural resources) that favoured and led to organised societies, their adaptation, raise, collapse and change between Europe and western Asia; 2) knowledge of the geography and chronologies of key sites through a series of case studies; 3) knowledge of the theoretical background and methodology of archaeological investigation from the beginning of studies to the current challenges; 4) knowledge and use of basic digital tools for documenting, analysing, and disseminating the material and immaterial cultural heritage.

Hence, students will of those cultures developed in Europe and western Asia between 100.000-1.000 years ago be introduced to a dynamic picture of the past, considering the cultural geographies i.e. cultural networks, human-environment/landscape interactions, and cultural adaptations, becoming confident with the main research questions.

Moreover, they will be introduced, making them familiar with the analytical approaches and techniques and documentation and dissemination tools.

B. Cultures of Pre-Roman Italy in the 1st Millennium BC

Students will acquire foundational knowledge and understanding of the civilizations of pre-Roman Italy, examined through both synchronic and diachronic perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on the integrated analysis of ancient literary sources and archaeological evidence, supported by an interdisciplinary methodology that incorporates scientific approaches and information technologies.

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development of Etruscan culture and its complex interactions with other Italic, European, and Mediterranean populations. A series of case studies will introduce key archaeological sites, enabling students to recognize the distinctive features of each context.

In addition, students will become familiar with essential theoretical frameworks and methodological tools in Art History and Archaeology, allowing them to engage with contemporary research questions and analytical techniques.

Finally, the course will offer a broad perspective on the material and immaterial dimensions of cultural heritage, equipping students with the analytical skills necessary to explore themes such as daily life, diet, mobility, identity, and urbanization processes across pre-Roman Europe.