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.

The rest of the course includes a general and an in-depth part.

The general part will begin with a reference to the theoretical issues and to the problem of the relationship between the subdivision of Augustus' Italy into the Regiones and the pre-Roman civilizations; the latter will be articulated within the framework of written and archaeological sources, not forgetting to analyze the relationship between the ancient framework and the structure of the Regions of contemporary Italy. After the introduction, we will analyse the Italic cultures of northern, central and southern Italy and their relationship with the linguistic groups and historical civilizations described by the ancient sources. In the chronological period between the 9th century BC and the Romanisation, we will investigate in particular the historical changes that have occurred over time and how these marked differentiated developments in the cultures of ancient Italy. Particular attention will be given to the phenomena of the Greek Colonisation between 8th and 6th centuries BC and the Celtic invasion of the early 4th century BC and what changes these triggered in cultures and history of the Italic people.

An in-depth part will be devoted to the Venetian world, from the formative processes of this civilisation in the early Iron Age to the impact of the La Tène culture.

Visits to the Civic Archaeological Museum of Bologna, Celtic section, and Atestino National Archaeological Museum will be scheduled.

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: 

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. 

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). The study of each contribution with a thorough reading of the related catalogue entries. 

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 in VIRTUALE.

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 cities of Kainua-Marzabotto and Spina, as well as experiences in the study, cataloging, and drawing of archaeological materials. Please refer to the Professor' web page 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. A student who attends at least 75% of the lectures is considered to be attending.

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.

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students.

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.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Gaucci