Methodology of Archaeological and Archaeometric Research
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
To make known the activities of archaeological research in the field, with particular reference to modern investigative methodologies related to excavation, archaeological survey, and the study of ancient production. Attention is also given to underwater archaeology and the cargoes of Mediterranean wrecks, whose study allows us to reconstruct the history of ancient trade. One part of the module also aims to present an examination of the main ancient historical periods, in order to provide a tool for understanding the dynamics of evolution of past societies; through a series of practical exercises, another objective is to offer basic knowledge regarding archaeological documentation and the study of finds.
Expected learning outcomes
The lessons aim to introduce the student to practical activities and the use of tools for documenting archaeological data, as well as their reworking and interpretation. In this way, students will learn to approach the study of archaeological contexts and classify artifacts using the methods of archaeology and archaeometry. The student will be able to consciously navigate through different ancient historical periods and will have the opportunity to experience the various phases of an archaeologist's work through a series of practical exercises.
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
Pottery in Archaeology and Archaeometry: Technology, Production, and Trade
This course focuses on the archaeology of production and trade through one of the most widely used indicators in archaeology, namely pottery, with the aim of reconstructing ancient production processes and trade networks.
Pottery is an important indicator for archaeologists, not only for dating purposes but also for reconstructing production systems and trade in the ancient world. The course unit includes a review of the "traditional" methods used in the study of ancient pottery, as well as an introduction to the main laboratory techniques employed to reconstruct manufacturing technology, determine the provenance of ceramic containers, and investigate ancient trade patterns. Particular attention will also be devoted to residue analysis, which makes it possible to identify the nature of vessel contents and to reconstruct ancient dietary practices.
The course includes both a practical component and a section devoted to ongoing research on ancient pottery from terrestrial and underwater contexts, with reference to archaeological areas where research projects directed by the instructor are currently underway (Ostia, Ischia, Naples, and shipwreck sites).
Practical Component
Practical classes will be held using ancient artefacts, with particular emphasis on pottery (description and classification, and an introduction to laboratory analyses).
Archaeology of Production and Trade
An important area of archaeological research in recent years has focused on the study of ancient production sites and the reconstruction of trade systems and Mediterranean networks, including through the study of cargoes recovered from shipwrecks in the western Mediterranean. This teaching unit aims to illustrate the objectives and some of the results of these ongoing research projects within the framework of the Immensa Aequora Project (www.immensaaequora.org).
Excavation Field School
An integral part of the course is participation in the excavation of the Roman villa at Dragoncello/Acilia, in the area of ancient Ostia, carried out in collaboration with the Archaeological Superintendency of Rome.
Students who are interested will have the opportunity to participate in a conference organized by the professor in Rome during the spring semester at the École française de Rome.
This course focuses on the archaeology of production and trade through one of the most widely used indicators in archaeology, namely pottery, with the aim of reconstructing ancient production processes and trade networks.
Pottery is an important indicator for archaeologists, not only for dating purposes but also for reconstructing production systems and trade in the ancient world. The course unit includes a review of the "traditional" methods used in the study of ancient pottery, as well as an introduction to the main laboratory techniques employed to reconstruct manufacturing technology, determine the provenance of ceramic containers, and investigate ancient trade patterns. Particular attention will also be devoted to residue analysis, which makes it possible to identify the nature of vessel contents and to reconstruct ancient dietary practices.
The course includes both a practical component and a section devoted to ongoing research on ancient pottery from terrestrial and underwater contexts, with reference to archaeological areas where research projects directed by the instructor are currently underway (Ostia, Ischia, Naples, and shipwreck sites).
Practical Component
Practical classes will be held using ancient artefacts, with particular emphasis on pottery (description and classification, and an introduction to laboratory analyses).
Archaeology of Production and Trade
An important area of archaeological research in recent years has focused on the study of ancient production sites and the reconstruction of trade systems and Mediterranean networks, including through the study of cargoes recovered from shipwrecks in the western Mediterranean. This teaching unit aims to illustrate the objectives and some of the results of these ongoing research projects within the framework of the Immensa Aequora Project (www.immensaaequora.org).
Excavation Field School
An integral part of the course is participation in the excavation of the Roman villa at Dragoncello/Acilia, in the area of ancient Ostia, carried out in collaboration with the Archaeological Superintendency of Rome.
Students who are interested will have the opportunity to participate in a conference organized by the professor in Rome during the spring semester at the École française de Rome.
Prerequisites for admission
if you have not taken the basic Archaeological Research Methodologies exam, you are advised to attend the lectures in the first part of the course, during the first half of October, which are devoted to a review of archaeological field research methods. Should you have any questions or doubts, please contact the instructor at [email protected].
Teaching methods
Lectures and practical seminars
Teaching Resources
-N. Cuomo di Caprio, Ceramica in archeologia 2, Roma 2006 o altre edizioni
(Capitolo 1 - Dall'argilla al reperto e dal reperto all'argilla, pp. 29-39).
-D.P.S. Peacock (trad. a cura di G. Pucci), La ceramica romana tra archeologia ed etnografia, Bari 1997. (Capitolo 1 - Introduzione: lo studio della ceramica romana, Capitolo 10 - La ceramica nell'economia romana, Capitolo 11 - Lo studio della ceramica romana. Metodi e approcci).
- G. Olcese, Il contributo delle analisi di laboratorio allo studio e alla classificazione della ceramica in archeologia, in: Acte du 8° Congrès SIMCER (Simposio Internazionale della Ceramica) "Archeometria della ceramica: problemi di metodo", (Rimini, 10-12 novembre 1992), Bologna 1993, pp. 35-53.
- L. Brecciaroli Taborelli, Ceramiche a vernice nera: metodi e risultati di recenti ricerche in Italia, in: D. Gandolfi (a cura di), La ceramica e i materiali di età romana. Classi, Produzioni e consumi, Bordighera 2019, pp. 17-31.
- G. Olcese, Ceramiche comuni a Roma e in area romana, 2003, capitoli III e IX
- D. Manacorda, C. Panella, Anfore, in: W. V. Harris (a cura di), The Inscribed Economy. Production and distribution in the Roman empire, Ann Arbor 1993, pp. 55-64.
- G. Olcese, Le anfore greco italiche di Ischia: archeologia e archeometria, Quasar 2010 - alcune parti da definire insieme
(Capitolo 1 - Dall'argilla al reperto e dal reperto all'argilla, pp. 29-39).
-D.P.S. Peacock (trad. a cura di G. Pucci), La ceramica romana tra archeologia ed etnografia, Bari 1997. (Capitolo 1 - Introduzione: lo studio della ceramica romana, Capitolo 10 - La ceramica nell'economia romana, Capitolo 11 - Lo studio della ceramica romana. Metodi e approcci).
- G. Olcese, Il contributo delle analisi di laboratorio allo studio e alla classificazione della ceramica in archeologia, in: Acte du 8° Congrès SIMCER (Simposio Internazionale della Ceramica) "Archeometria della ceramica: problemi di metodo", (Rimini, 10-12 novembre 1992), Bologna 1993, pp. 35-53.
- L. Brecciaroli Taborelli, Ceramiche a vernice nera: metodi e risultati di recenti ricerche in Italia, in: D. Gandolfi (a cura di), La ceramica e i materiali di età romana. Classi, Produzioni e consumi, Bordighera 2019, pp. 17-31.
- G. Olcese, Ceramiche comuni a Roma e in area romana, 2003, capitoli III e IX
- D. Manacorda, C. Panella, Anfore, in: W. V. Harris (a cura di), The Inscribed Economy. Production and distribution in the Roman empire, Ann Arbor 1993, pp. 55-64.
- G. Olcese, Le anfore greco italiche di Ischia: archeologia e archeometria, Quasar 2010 - alcune parti da definire insieme
Assessment methods and Criteria
Test and a short paper/oral examination.
ARCH-01/G - Methodologies for Archaeological Research - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Olcese Gloria Angela
Professor(s)