Late Antique Archaeology
A.Y. 2026/2027
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
The course explores the transformations of the Late Antique world between the 4th and 6th centuries AD through the analysis of both urban and rural contexts across different regions of the Roman Empire. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between archaeological evidence and written sources, considered in an integrated way in order to develop a critical interpretation of historical phenomena.
Following a methodological and historiographical introduction aimed at defining the concept of Late Antiquity and outlining the role of archaeology in the study of this period, the course focuses on the main processes of transformation affecting cities, rural landscapes, and territorial systems. It examines inherited urban models and their evolution, new foundations, and the dynamics of growth and reorganisation of urban space, as well as forms of residential architecture and the relationships between political power, urban organisation, and the built environment.
Significant attention is also given to the spread of Christianity and its impact on spatial organisation, from ecclesiastical architecture to the phenomena of monasticism and asceticism, and to the progressive transformation of places of memory and worship. At the same time, the course analyses rural settlement dynamics, production systems, the transformation of villas, and the role of the countryside within new economic and social frameworks. Particular focus is placed on defensive structures and strategies of territorial control in relation to the political and military changes of the period.
The course is designed to provide students with advanced interpretative tools for understanding the complexity of Late Antique transformations through an integrated and critical reading of archaeological and written sources.
Following a methodological and historiographical introduction aimed at defining the concept of Late Antiquity and outlining the role of archaeology in the study of this period, the course focuses on the main processes of transformation affecting cities, rural landscapes, and territorial systems. It examines inherited urban models and their evolution, new foundations, and the dynamics of growth and reorganisation of urban space, as well as forms of residential architecture and the relationships between political power, urban organisation, and the built environment.
Significant attention is also given to the spread of Christianity and its impact on spatial organisation, from ecclesiastical architecture to the phenomena of monasticism and asceticism, and to the progressive transformation of places of memory and worship. At the same time, the course analyses rural settlement dynamics, production systems, the transformation of villas, and the role of the countryside within new economic and social frameworks. Particular focus is placed on defensive structures and strategies of territorial control in relation to the political and military changes of the period.
The course is designed to provide students with advanced interpretative tools for understanding the complexity of Late Antique transformations through an integrated and critical reading of archaeological and written sources.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites are required; however, a basic knowledge of Roman history is strongly recommended.
Teaching methods
Lectures are delivered with the support of visual materials presented through presentation software (PowerPoint or Prezi).
Class discussions and interactive teaching activities (such as quizzes and exercises, including in a flipped classroom format) may be included, with the aim of fostering active participation and the application of acquired knowledge.
The images used during the lectures will be made available at the end of the course on the Ariel platform.
Class discussions and interactive teaching activities (such as quizzes and exercises, including in a flipped classroom format) may be included, with the aim of fostering active participation and the application of acquired knowledge.
The images used during the lectures will be made available at the end of the course on the Ariel platform.
Teaching Resources
ATTENDING STUDENTS:
1). DAVID, M. 2021. Archeologia della Tarda Antichità. Firenze: Mondadori Università, pp. 61-265.
2). Notes
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
1). DAVID, M. 2021. Archeologia della Tarda Antichità. Firenze: Mondadori Università, full volume.
2). Brogiolo, G. P. Per un'archeologia delle comunità rurali nei tempi lunghi. Pagi e vici tra romanizzazione e alto Medioevo nelle regioni prealpine, in VIII Congresso Nazionale degli Archeologi Medievisti italiani (Matera 12-15 settembre 2018), Firenze, pp. 26-30 (available online).
3). Brogiolo, G. P., Chavarria-Arnau A. 2008. Chiese, territori e dinamiche del popolamento nelle campagne tra tardoantico e altomedioevo, Hortus Artium Medievalium 14, 7-29 (available online).
4). Corsi, C. 2016. Luoghi di strada e stazioni stradali in Italia tra età tardoantica e alto Medioevo. In P. Basso e E. Zanini (a cura di) Statio Amoena. Sostare e vivere lungo le strade romane. Oxford: Archaeopress: 53-67 (available online).
5). Gelichi S. 2023. Urban transformations in the Late Antique West: materials, agents and models. In S. Gelichi, F. d'Angela, A. Augenti (a cura di), Urban Transformations in the Late Antique West. Materials, Agents and Models, Oxford, pp. 45-56 (available online).
6). Cracco Ruggini L. 2010. Città tardoantica, città altomedievale: permanenze e mutamenti, Anabases 12, 103-118 (available online).
1). DAVID, M. 2021. Archeologia della Tarda Antichità. Firenze: Mondadori Università, pp. 61-265.
2). Notes
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
1). DAVID, M. 2021. Archeologia della Tarda Antichità. Firenze: Mondadori Università, full volume.
2). Brogiolo, G. P. Per un'archeologia delle comunità rurali nei tempi lunghi. Pagi e vici tra romanizzazione e alto Medioevo nelle regioni prealpine, in VIII Congresso Nazionale degli Archeologi Medievisti italiani (Matera 12-15 settembre 2018), Firenze, pp. 26-30 (available online).
3). Brogiolo, G. P., Chavarria-Arnau A. 2008. Chiese, territori e dinamiche del popolamento nelle campagne tra tardoantico e altomedioevo, Hortus Artium Medievalium 14, 7-29 (available online).
4). Corsi, C. 2016. Luoghi di strada e stazioni stradali in Italia tra età tardoantica e alto Medioevo. In P. Basso e E. Zanini (a cura di) Statio Amoena. Sostare e vivere lungo le strade romane. Oxford: Archaeopress: 53-67 (available online).
5). Gelichi S. 2023. Urban transformations in the Late Antique West: materials, agents and models. In S. Gelichi, F. d'Angela, A. Augenti (a cura di), Urban Transformations in the Late Antique West. Materials, Agents and Models, Oxford, pp. 45-56 (available online).
6). Cracco Ruggini L. 2010. Città tardoantica, città altomedievale: permanenze e mutamenti, Anabases 12, 103-118 (available online).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral assessment, based on an interview covering the topics discussed during lectures and the texts indicated in the syllabus, aimed at verifying the knowledge acquired. During the exam, students may also be asked to identify and discuss images relevant to the course contents.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and takes into account the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the ability to analyse and critically discuss the topics, and the appropriate use of technical terminology.
Students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (DSA) will agree on the exam arrangements with the instructor, in accordance with the relevant university services.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and takes into account the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the ability to analyse and critically discuss the topics, and the appropriate use of technical terminology.
Students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (DSA) will agree on the exam arrangements with the instructor, in accordance with the relevant university services.
ARCH-01/E - Christian, Late Antique 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