C9552 - GLI ETRUSCHI E IL MARE

Learning outcomes

The course explores the dynamic and vital relationship between the Etruscans and the sea over the centuries, from settlement and archaeological aspects to commercial and cultural dimensions. Special attention is given to the cities of Adria and Spina, which during the Etruscan period formed an integrated port system on the Adriatic, oriented toward Athens and Greece. By the end of the course, students will: have an overview of the archaeological evidence related to maritime settlements and the numerous ports that characterized Etruscan civilization; be able to reflect on and critically address the complex issues of trade, cultural interactions, and encounters with foreigners; develop a specific knowledge of the Etruscan cities that served as ports of northern Etruria: Adria and Spina.

Course contents

Prerequisites

An introductory lecture will provide the background knowledge required for the course.

The Etruscans and the Sea

The emergence and development of Etruscan thalassocracy and maritime activity, from the origins of Etruscan civilisation to its decline. Relations with other Mediterranean peoples. Ancient maritime trade: routes, participants, commodities, and the organisation of commercial exchange.

Ports and Ships

The ports of Etruria in the light of literary sources and archaeological evidence. Etruscan cities and their harbours: the current state of research and future perspectives. The design, construction, and technology of Etruscan ships.

Pyrgi

The sanctuary and its harbour, from their mythical origins to the most recent archaeological discoveries. Trade and interaction with foreign communities under the protection of the sanctuary. The submerged harbour.

Spina

The Adriatic port system. The city and its necropoleis. Spina and the Greek world.

The Sea in Etruscan Iconography

The development of maritime imagery in Etruscan visual culture. Meanings, functions, and contexts from the Orientalising period to the end of Etruscan civilisation, illustrated through selected case studies.

Attendance is strongly recommended. Students who attend at least 75% of the scheduled classes will be considered attending students.

Readings/Bibliography

Assessment Reading List

The following readings are required for examination preparation:

1. M. Cristofani, Gli Etruschi del mare, Milan, 1983.
2. P. Desantis, E. Govi, V. Nizzo, G. Sassatelli and T. Trocchi (eds), Spina etrusca. Un grande porto nel Mediterraneo, Rome, 2023.
3. Lecture notes.

Recommended Further Reading (required for non-attending students)

Colonna, G., ‘Il santuario di Pyrgi dalle origini mitistoriche agli altorilievi frontonali dei Sette e di Leucotea’, Scienze dell'Antichità, 10 (2000), 251–336.

Pomey, P., ‘Ships and Shipping’, in A. Naso (ed.), Etruscology, Boston–Berlin, 2017, 371–389; and Medas, S., ‘Iconografia e relitti’ and ‘Navi da trasporto greche ed etrusche’, in Archeologia della navigazione. Il Mediterraneo antico, Rome, 2024.

Pizzirani, C., ‘Il mare nell'immaginario funebre degli Etruschi’, in G. Sassatelli and A. Russo Tagliente (eds), Il viaggio oltre la vita. Gli Etruschi e l'Aldilà tra capolavori e realtà virtuale (Exhibition Catalogue, Bologna, 2014–2015), Bologna, 2014, 71–80.

Learning Support

International students with little or no knowledge of Italian, as well as students with specific learning needs, including disabilities or specific learning difficulties (SpLD), will be supported throughout the course and in preparing for the examination through individual meetings with the lecturer and, where appropriate, the provision of bibliographical resources in other languages. Students are encouraged to discuss any individual requirements with the lecturer at the beginning of the course.

Students requiring reasonable adjustments because of a disability or specific learning difficulties (SpLD) are invited to inform the lecturer so that appropriate support can be arranged in consultation with the University's specialist services.

Language Requirements

A good command of Italian is required to attend the course. The examination may be taken either in Italian or in English.

Introductory Session

The course begins with an introductory lecture providing the historical, geographical, and archaeological background necessary for a fuller understanding of the topics addressed in subsequent classes.

Teaching methods

Lectures begin from a quarter past the hour. Attending the lectures is highly recommended.

Students will have the chance to integrate the course with practical laboratory activities (see the University guidelines) and to take part in the annual archaeological excavations in the Etruscan city of Marzabotto.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of an oral examination designed to evaluate students’ knowledge of the history and development of Etruscan civilization, as well as the topics relating to the Italic civilizations covered during the course. Students are also expected to demonstrate the ability to contextualize and interpret Etruscan artistic and monumental production.

A good knowledge of the bibliography and course topics is required. Questions on the textbook will be highly specific and detail-oriented.

Three general questions are the starting point of a more detailed discussion.

Students are required to speak Italian or English fluently.

Summing up, the exam aims to evaluate:

- the knowledge of the bibliography and the course topics;

- the comprehension of the issues discussed during the lesson;

- the knowledge of the Etruscan civilization;

-the ability to frame objects and issues in their proper context and discuss them;

- ability, fluency and skill in discussing a topic appropriately.

The overall assessment will consider the following parameters:

- the overall assessment will be based on the following criteria: mastery of the course content; the ability to analyse key topics and concepts; the ability to communicate clearly and accurately using discipline-specific terminology; and the ability to discuss critically a specific issue relevant to the subject, including topics not necessarily covered during the course. Outstanding performance in these areas will receive the highest marks.

- an intermediate knowledge of the topics and a full comprehension of them, but not perfectly autonomous, will be rewarded with a very good mark.

- a mnemonic knowledge of the subject, with the ability to analyse with a 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 sufficient to pass the exam. Failure to answer one of the three examination questions will result in the examination being deemed unsuccessful and will require the student to retake the exam.

Examination sessions are normally scheduled at intervals of approximately 40 days.

Teaching tools

Lessons will be conducted with the support of a wide selection of images, offered to students as a tool for perfecting their studies.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Pizzirani