90281 - Italic and Celtic Archaeology (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will learn the general lines on the formation and development of the peoples of Preroman Italy, also with reference to mutual processes of cultural integration; he will thus develop the ability to carry out research on the subject, thanks to the use of the specific methods and tools of the discipline, and the ability to communicate the results of such research both in oral and written form. The student will be able to critically insert the archaeological documentation and the literary and epigraphic sources in their respective social, economic and political contexts; he will also be able to insert these documents in the framework of the history of the Italic peoples and of the presence and spread of the Celtic culture in Italy, also in light of the relations with the transalpine area.

Course contents

The course addresses the specific theme of Italic and Celtic cultures of pre-Roman Italy (from the early Iron Age to the rise of Rome) from both a historical and archaeological perspective. It will focus particularly on the themes of ethnic and cultural identities, the differentiated development of settlements, funerary rituals, mobility of individuals and groups, and the flow of trade and culture between the Mediterranean world and the transalpine world. The course will concentrate on the territories of Northern Italy.

The initial lessons will aim to outline the program, learning assessment methods, and provide an overview of the history of studies and research methodologies.

The rest of the course comprises an introductory block, followed by an in-depth section.

The introductory block will start with a review of theoretical issues (concepts of identity and ethnos and their anthropological implications) and the relationship between Augustus' division of Italy into regions and the pre-Roman civilizations. These issues will be discussed within the framework of written and archaeological sources, while also analyzing the connection between the ancient situation and the contemporary context.

In the in-depth section, the Italic cultures of Northern Italy and their relationship with linguistic groups and historical civilizations described in the sources will be analyzed. Within the chronological period between the 9th century BC and the integration of different realities into the Roman sphere, particular attention will be given to historical changes that occurred over time and how they marked differentiated developments in ancient Italian cultures. Special emphasis will be placed on the relationships with transalpine Europe (Hallstatt culture first and La Tène culture later) and the so-called "Celtic invasion" of the 4th century BC, analyzing the changes these phenomena triggered in cultural manifestations and the history of Italic populations.

Visits to the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna, Celtic section, and the National Archaeological Museum of Este are scheduled. At the latter location, there will be a conference focused on studies of experimental archaeology and iconography in the investigation of situla art.

The course does not require any prerequisites. However, to gain a better understanding of the topics covered from the perspective of the Etruscan world, attendance in the course on Etruscology and Italic archaeology taught by Professor Elisabetta Govi is recommended. A basic geographical preparation is also highly advisable.

Readings/Bibliography

In addition to the personal notes from the lectures, it is considered necessary to study the following texts:

General part:

F. Pesando (a cura di), L'Italia antica. Culture e forme del popolamento nel I millennio a.C., Carocci, Roma 2005 (e ristampe successive), with the exception of caps. 3.1 e da 4.2.7 a 4.2.38.

In-depth: 

One reading to study for each of the following two blocks:

1)

R.C. de Marinis, La prima età del Ferro, in M. Harari (a cura di), Il territorio di Varese in età preistorica e protostorica, pp. 197-237.

or

Venetkens. Viaggio nella terra dei Veneti antichi, Catalogo della Mostra (Padova 2013), Marsilio, Venezia 2013: pp. 59-66 (Principi e aristocrazie); pp. 67-78 (Le città dei Veneti antichi); pp. 93-98, 341-361 (necropoli e monumenti in pietra); pp. 99-105, 280-299 (arte delle situle).

2)

F. Marzatico, L'età del Ferro nell'area alpina centro orientale. Aspetti e problemi, in Antichi popoli delle Alpi. Sviluppi culturali durante l'età del Ferro nei territori alpini centro-orientali (Sanzeno 2010), Trento 2014, pp. 11-28.

or

S. Paltineri, The Ligurians, in The peoples of ancient Italy, Berlino 2017, pp. 673-700.

During the course, individual articles will also be pointed out to explore specific topics in more depth and can be discussed with the lecturer at dedicated times during some lectures.

For non-attending students, in addition to the texts indicated above, the following reading is also required:

A.M. Bietti Sestieri, L'Italia nell'età del bronzo e del ferro. Dalle palafitte a Romolo (2200-700 a.C.), Carocci editore, 2° edizione 2018, pp. 171-348.

The indicated books are available at the Archeology library of the Department of History and Cultures. The other readings will be provided by the teacher.

Teaching methods

The teaching is organized in frontal lectures, and regular attendance is strongly recommended. Throughout the course, visits to museums in the area will be arranged, and additional in-depth conferences will be highlighted. Furthermore, students will be encouraged to undertake supplementary readings for a deeper understanding, which can be discussed with the instructor during lectures if desired.

The traditional academic fifteen-minute grace period will be observed, unless different arrangements are discussed during the introductory lesson.

For interested students, it will be possible to complement the course with practical laboratory activities offered by the Department of History, Culture, and Civilization. These activities will include opportunities to participate in excavations at the Etruscan city of Marzabotto, reconnaissance at the Etruscan city of Spina, as well as experiences in the study, cataloging, and drawing of archaeological materials. Please refer to the Professors' web pages for further updates on the available educational activities.

Assessment methods

The exam consists in an oral test. It is required knowledge of indicated bibliography and of topics covered during lessons. Three general questions are the starting point of a more detailed discussion.

Attendance to the class is very helpful to pass the exam.

The overall evaluation will consider the following parameters:

- an excellent knowledge of the topics, the ability to analyse themes, to refer them by using the field-specific terminology and to discuss specific issues critically, arguing their own opinion, will be rewarded with an excellent mark.

- a mnemonic knowledge of the subject with the ability to analyse, with correct, although not always field-specific command of the language will be rewarded with a 'fair' mark.

- minimal knowledge of the subject will not be enough to pass the exam.

Teaching tools

Each lesson will be accompanied by presentation slides with a wide repertoire of images subsequently accessible through VIRTUALE.

Foreign students, students with special learning needs, students with disabilities will be supported during the course and in the preparation of the exam through individual interviews with the teacher, bibliography in a foreign language, concept maps. Please express personal needs from the beginning of the course or by contacting the teacher by e-mail.

Students who are affected by learning disability (DSA) and in need of special strategies to compensate it, are kindly requested to contact the Teacher, in order to be referred to the colleagues in charge and get proper advice and instructions.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Gaucci