73761 - Late Ancient and Medieval Archaeology

Learning outcomes

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

Course contents

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

Readings/Bibliography

General introduction (for all students):

Enrico Cirelli, Archeologia e cultura materiale nel medioevo, BUP, Bologna, 2020.

 

Recomended readings (mandatory for non-attending students):

Lorenzo Tanzini e Francesco Paolo Tosco, Un Medioevo mediterraneo, Carocci editore, Roma, 2020.

 

Monographic course: Castles in Medieval Italy (for all students):

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 castello di fondazione medievale, in 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)

Debora Ferreri, Enrico Cirelli, Le trasformazioni della vallata del Lamone e dei passi Appenninici tra Esarcato e Regno d’Italia nel Medioevo (VI-XII secolo), in Medioevo nelle valli. Insediamento, società, economia nei comprensori di valle tra Alpi e Appennini, a cura di Federico Marazzi e Chiara Raimondo, Volturnia edizioni, 2019, pp. 101-117.

Teaching methods

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

Assessment methods

Oral examination on the contents of the classes (for attendants) and the recommended readings (for those who will not be able to follow the classes). Following the Alma Mater's guidelines, notably:

• the demonstration of an organic vision of the themes addressed in class or in books indicated in the reading list as well as of the critical use, command of oral expression and specific vocabulary, will be assessed with marks of excellence (28-30).
• mechanical and/or mnemonic knowledge of the subject, scarce ability of synthesis and analysis and/or the use of a correct but not always appropriate vocabulary will lead to discrete assessments (23-27).
• training gaps and/or inappropriate vocabulary - even in conjunction with a minimal knowledge of the subject - will lead to marks that will not exceed the minimum grade (18-22).
• training gaps, inappropriate vocabulary, lack of command of the bibliography discussed within the course will lead to negative evaluations.

Teaching tools

During the lesson, archaeological contexts and themes will be presented through simple slides and with handouts that are available to non-attendants on my web page.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Cristina Carile

See the website of Debora Ferreri