73761 - Late Ancient and Medieval Archaeology

Learning outcomes

At the end of course students know the most important and new historical-archaeological and artistic frameworks of history, archaeology and artistic culture (architecture, excavations, sculptures, iconographical and stylistic features) from 5th-6th to 12th centuries.

Course contents

The course is divided into two sections. The main themes and methodologies of Medieval Archaeology in Italy and Europe will be presented during the first section. The lessons will therefore address the ways of city dwelling and farming the countryside since the Early Middle Ages to the Modern age (5^th-15^th c.); Archaeology of craftsman, production and building techniques; the evolution of funerary practices and ritual. In a second section a number of specific insights about Italian castles and other European fortified settlements will be carried out through the study of material culture

Readings/Bibliography

Andrea Augenti, Archeologia dell'Italia medievale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2016.

Recomended readings (mandatory for non-attending students):

Claudio Azzara, Le civiltà del Medioevo, il Mulino, Bologna, 2013.

Monographic course: Castles in Medieval Italy

Aldo Settia, Castelli medievali, il Mulino, Bologna, 2017.

Recomended readings (mandatory for non-attending students):

Enrico Cirelli, Debora Ferreri, Vivere e morire nel castello di Rontana. Lo sfruttamento del gesso in un insediamento di fondazione medievale nella vallata del Lamone, in LUCCI S., PIASTRA S. (a cura di), I gessi di Brisighella e Rontana, Memorie dell’Istituto Italiano di Speleologia s. II, 28, pp. 545-568

(https://www.academia.edu/13437275/VIVERE_E_MORIRE_NEL_CASTELLO_DI_RONTANA._LO_SFRUTTAMENTO_DEL_GESSO_IN_UN_INSEDIAMENTO_DI_FONDAZIONE_MEDIEVALE_DELLA_VALLATA_DEL_LAMONE)

Teaching methods

The course is structured in frontal lessons and discussion of the data presented with the students. Visits and seminars will also be offered on the main sites mentioned during the classes.

Assessment methods

Oral exam about the contents of the classes (for attendants) and the recommended readings (for those who will not be able to follow the classes). Learning contents and methods will be evaluated. Lessons and knowledge required for discipline, the demonstration of the possession of an expressive and specific speaking will be evaluated with the highest grade.

Teaching tools

During the lesson, archaeological contexts and themes will be presented through simple slides and with plans and texts distributed to the classroom and left available to non-attendants on my web page.

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Cirelli

See the website of Debora Ferreri