Phoenician and punic archaeology

This course provides an overview of the material culture and artistic expressions of the Phoenician and Punic civilizations. It explores their interactions with other ancient Mediterranean peoples—including Egyptians, Greeks, Etruscans, and local communities in the Levant, North Africa, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, and the Iberian Peninsula—focusing on processes of exchange, adaptation, and cultural hybridization. Students will develop analytical skills to examine the historical development and cross-cultural legacy of these civilizations across the Mediterranean.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Knowledge and Understanding: demonstrate a solid understanding of Phoenician and Punic archaeology within its historical, geographical, and cultural frameworks; understand key theoretical and methodological approaches; and recognize the complexity of intercultural exchanges in the ancient Mediterranean.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding: interpret archaeological evidence in the context of trade, migration, and cultural contact; identify signs of interaction across regions; and explore mutual influences between Phoenician/Punic societies and neighbouring cultures.
3. Making Judgements: critically assess the role of Phoenician and Punic civilizations in shaping Mediterranean history; connect ancient intercultural dynamics to current debates on identity and heritage; and evaluate the relevance of archaeological heritage to sustainable development goals.
4. Communication Skills: clearly express archaeological insights in spoken English; and actively participate in discussions and collaborative settings.
5. Learning Skills: analyse and synthesize archaeological and iconographic data; and independently use scholarly and digital tools to expand knowledge on the Phoenician civilization in a broader ancient Mediterranean context.