Late Antique Archaeology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to late antique archaeology, with specific focus on the research conducted in the pars orientalis of the Empire. After a brief historical overview and an introduction to the history of studies, the course will deal with some of the most debated topics in the scientific literature including the transformation of cities from the 3rd to the 6th centuries CE, the development of new types of rural settlements, the reorganization of border defense, long-distance trade and the impact of Christianity. In the academic year 2024/2025 a part of the course will be dedicated to the capitals and imperial palaces in the Tetrarchic age - with particular reference to Gamzigrad, Izmit, Milan, Split, Sremska Mitrovica, Thessalonica, and Trier.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: the course aims to offer students a basic knowledge of late antique archeology and the history of studies, as well as the main literature dedicated to the topics covered in class.
Skills: The course aims to enable participants to acquire the necessary tools to critically interpret archaeological data and the ability to effectively summarize complex issues.
Skills: The course aims to enable participants to acquire the necessary tools to critically interpret archaeological data and the ability to effectively summarize complex issues.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
Part A (20 hours, 3 CFU): Introduction to late antique archaeology
Part B (20 hours, 3 CFU): Imperial residences in the tetrarchic period
Part B (20 hours, 3 CFU): Imperial residences in the tetrarchic period
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge in Roman history is highly recommended for following the course and the exam preparation.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with the use of visuals (PowerPoint or Prezi). Discussion and alternative teaching methods (quiz, flipped classroom) are included.
The slides will be available on the Ariel course website after the end of the course.
The slides will be available on the Ariel course website after the end of the course.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
Part A:
1). DAVID, M. 2021. Archeologia della Tarda Antichità.
Firenze: Mondadori Università, pp. 61-265.
2). Notes taken in class
Part B:
1). JAESCHKE, V., DAVENPORT, C. 2023. "Cities, Palaces and the
Tetrarchic Imperial Courts", in C. Davenport e M. McEvoy (eds), The
Roman Imperial Court in the Principate and Late Antiquity. Oxford:
Oxford University Press, 75 - 104.
2). MAYER, E. 2014. "The Architecture of Tetrarchy", in R.B. Ulrich e C.K.
Quenemoen (eds), A Companion to Roman Architecture. Oxford:
Wiley Blackwell, 106-126.
3). Notes taken in classe
Non-attending students:
Part A:
1). DAVID, M. 2021. Archeologia della Tarda Antichità.
Firenze: Mondadori Università, pp. 61-265.
2). DECKER, M. 2009. Tilling the Hateful Earth. Oxford, OUP (Cap. 2, "The Countryside in Late Antiquity"), 28-79.
3). JACOBS, I. 2021. "The creation of the late antique city: Constantinople and Asia Minor during the 'Theodosian Renaissance'". Byzantion, 82, 113-164
4). Grig, L. 2013. "Cities in the long Late Antiquity, 2000-2012 - a survey essay". Urban History, 40(3), 554-566.
Part B:
1). HIDALGO PRIETO, R., I. CARRASCO GOMES, A. OTTATI 2022. Palatia. Ville e Palazzi Imperiali di Epoca Romana (Secoli I-V d.C.)/Imperial Villas
and Palaces of the Roman Period (1st - 5th centuries AD). Roma:
Edizioni Quasar, pp. 339-390, 445-476, 496-506.
Part A:
1). DAVID, M. 2021. Archeologia della Tarda Antichità.
Firenze: Mondadori Università, pp. 61-265.
2). Notes taken in class
Part B:
1). JAESCHKE, V., DAVENPORT, C. 2023. "Cities, Palaces and the
Tetrarchic Imperial Courts", in C. Davenport e M. McEvoy (eds), The
Roman Imperial Court in the Principate and Late Antiquity. Oxford:
Oxford University Press, 75 - 104.
2). MAYER, E. 2014. "The Architecture of Tetrarchy", in R.B. Ulrich e C.K.
Quenemoen (eds), A Companion to Roman Architecture. Oxford:
Wiley Blackwell, 106-126.
3). Notes taken in classe
Non-attending students:
Part A:
1). DAVID, M. 2021. Archeologia della Tarda Antichità.
Firenze: Mondadori Università, pp. 61-265.
2). DECKER, M. 2009. Tilling the Hateful Earth. Oxford, OUP (Cap. 2, "The Countryside in Late Antiquity"), 28-79.
3). JACOBS, I. 2021. "The creation of the late antique city: Constantinople and Asia Minor during the 'Theodosian Renaissance'". Byzantion, 82, 113-164
4). Grig, L. 2013. "Cities in the long Late Antiquity, 2000-2012 - a survey essay". Urban History, 40(3), 554-566.
Part B:
1). HIDALGO PRIETO, R., I. CARRASCO GOMES, A. OTTATI 2022. Palatia. Ville e Palazzi Imperiali di Epoca Romana (Secoli I-V d.C.)/Imperial Villas
and Palaces of the Roman Period (1st - 5th centuries AD). Roma:
Edizioni Quasar, pp. 339-390, 445-476, 496-506.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral and consists of an interview about the texts indicated in the programme and the topics covered in class. This will involve recognising and discussing images to ascertain the knowledge acquired.
International and incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the professor in charge of the course.
Students with disabilities and/or DSA must agree the exam method with the professor in consultation with the relevant office.
International and incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the professor in charge of the course.
Students with disabilities and/or DSA must agree the exam method with the professor in consultation with the relevant office.
L-ANT/08 - CHRISTIAN AND MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Intagliata Emanuele Ettore
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday, 2.00-5.00 PM
Sezione di Archeologia - via Festa del Perdono 7, Cortile della Legnaia