C8913 - ARCHEOLOGIA DEL MEDIOEVO EUROPEO (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows in depth the European medieval civilization in the period that involves the rise of the Christian religion and the Middle Ages. Through the examination of a specific theme, analysed in order to illustrate the correct methods of interpretation, the student learns every type of data and possesses the tools to critically deal with the issues related to the period under examination and their historical contextualization. The course gives the possibility to obtain the critical ability to set up and carry out a methodologically correct research using every kind of source.

Course contents

The course is divided into two closely integrated modules.

Module 1 – Methods and themes in European medieval archaeology

This module introduces the theoretical and methodological approaches of medieval archaeology and presents the main areas of research through the following topics:Module 2 – Frontiers, castles and communities. Archaeology of Medieval European Landscapes

• the origins, development and tools of medieval archaeology in Europe;
• material sources and archaeological investigation methodologies;
• archaeology of urban and rural settlements between the 5th and 15th centuries;
• archaeology of architecture and building techniques;
• the archaeology of production and craft activities;
• the evolution of funerary practices and landscapes of death from the 5th to the 12th centuries.

The second module explores a monographic theme dedicated to medieval European landscapes, analysing the dynamics of the formation, transformation and organisation of frontier territories through the study of material sources. In particular, the following topics will be covered: During the lectures, practical sessions will be held on reading and interpreting archaeological documentation (site plans, stratigraphies, artefacts, historical cartography and geographical information systems), aimed at equipping students with the methodological tools necessary for the critical analysis of material sources.

• the formation and development of castle systems;
• the archaeology of fortifications and castles;
• the organisation of settlements and rural communities;
• border landscapes and territorial control;
• relationships between political powers, local communities and the exploitation of resources;
• case studies drawn from European and Italian contexts.

Non-attending students will supplement the content covered during the seminars using the bibliography provided by the lecturer and any teaching materials made available on the course platform.

Readings/Bibliography

Students attending the course:

James Graham-Campbell, Magdalena Valor (eds.), The Archaeology of Medieval Europe, Aarhus University Press.

N. Christie, H. Herold (eds.), Fortified Settlements in Early Medieval Europe - Oxbow Books.

Recommended reading:

Chris Wickam, L'Europa nel Medioevo, Carocci Editore, Roma, 2020.

Enrico Cirelli, Archeologia e cultura materiale nel medioevo, BUP Bononia University Press, Bologna, 2021.

Enrico Cirelli, Debora Ferreri, Il castello di Rontana. Racconto di una scoperta archeologica, Terra, Ravenna, 2025

Non-attending students:

Sauro Gelichi, Introduzione all'archeologia medievale, Carocci.

James Graham-Campbell, Magdalena Valor (eds.), The Archaeology of Medieval Europe, Aarhus University Press.

N. Christie, H. Herold (eds.), Fortified Settlements in Early Medieval Europe - Oxbow Books.

Recommended reading:

Chris Wickam, L'Europa nel Medioevo, Carocci Editore, Roma, 2020.

Enrico Cirelli, Archeologia e cultura materiale nel medioevo, BUP Bononia University Press, Bologna, 2021.

Enrico Cirelli, Debora Ferreri, Il castello di Rontana. Racconto di una scoperta archeologica, Terra, Ravenna, 2025

Teaching methods

Teaching takes place mainly in person and consists of lectures, designed to provide students with the theoretical and methodological framework of medieval European archaeology and the tools necessary for interpreting archaeological evidence. The lectures include guided discussions and critical analysis of data, with the active involvement of students, with the aim of developing their ability to interpret, compare and evaluate the various material sources.
During the course, there will also be analysis and discussion of case studies relating to the main archaeological contexts covered in lectures, encouraging the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Teaching activities may be supplemented by seminars led by scholars and experts in the field, as well as educational visits to archaeological sites, museums or laboratories, aimed at the direct observation of material evidence and a deeper understanding of research and documentation methodologies. These activities contribute to the achievement of the course objectives through a learning process that integrates theoretical knowledge, critical analysis skills and direct engagement with archaeological data.
Classroom discussions will also be organised through brief group discussions on the case studies presented, encouraging active student participation and the development of argumentative skills and the ability to critically interpret archaeological documentation.

Assessment methods

Assessment is based on an individual oral examination, marked out of thirty. For attending students, the examination focuses on the topics covered in lectures and the teaching activities carried out during the course; for non-attending students, the examination covers the texts and any supplementary materials indicated in the syllabus.
The examination aims to assess whether the course’s learning objectives have been met, verifying both the acquisition of knowledge relating to the main themes and methodologies of European medieval archaeology, and the ability to critically interpret archaeological evidence, to link the various topics covered, and to use the discipline’s specialist terminology correctly.
Assessment will take into account the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the knowledge acquired, the ability to think critically and synthesise information, the clarity of presentation, and the appropriateness of scientific language. The attainment of a coherent understanding of the topics covered, accompanied by a full command of the discipline’s methods and specialist terminology, will be awarded the highest marks.
There are no mid-term assessments nor any assignments to be submitted prior to the exam. The final exam alone determines the final mark for the course.

Teaching tools

Multimedia resources, such as digital presentations, images, site plans, maps, graphic reconstructions and archaeological documentation, will be used during the lectures to aid understanding of the contexts, methodologies and case studies covered in the course. Any supplementary handouts, texts, site plans and other teaching materials distributed during lectures will also be made available to students via the lecturer’s webpage, to facilitate individual revision and enable non-attending students to access them as well.

Students who, for reasons related to a disability or specific learning difficulties (SLD), require adjustments to teaching or examination arrangements are invited to contact the University of Bologna’s Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/ per-studenti) in order to agree in good time on the most appropriate compensatory measures and arrangements.

The use of generative artificial intelligence tools may support independent study, for example to explore concepts in greater depth, draw up summaries, clarify terminology or carry out self-assessment activities. However, these tools must be used critically and with awareness, and they do not replace the direct study of the bibliography, sources and teaching materials indicated for the course.

During the course, archaeological finds, three-dimensional models and excavation documentation may also be presented, with a view to facilitating the direct interpretation of material evidence and the acquisition of the analytical methodologies specific to the discipline.

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Cirelli