75769 - Archaeology of the Late Antique and Byzantine Mediterranean

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the students will know the definition of Late Antiquity and the issues related to the periodization of this historical period. They have a basic knowledge of the material evidence and are able to recognize the importance of the relationship between objects and contexts; they are well oriented in reading the scientific literature and begin to understand, through a critical reading of the archaeological records, the significance of artefacts, buildings, figurative documents, connecting them to the cultural, social, political and religious phenomena

Course contents

The first two lessons will introduce a preliminary bibliography to Late Antique Archaeology and Art.

PART A: Analysis of the relationship between Paganism and Christianity in the late antique and Byzantine ages through archaeological sources. The sanctuaries of Greece in Late Antique and Byzantine ages: Athens, Eleusis, Olympia, Delphi, Dodona, Kos.
PART B: Statuary in Late Antique Greece: production, conservation, Christianization, iconoclasm.

Readings/Bibliography

 

PART A (attending students): I. Baldini, La fine del santuario e la cristianizzazione, in E. Lippolis, Mysteria. Archeologia e culto del santuario di Demetra ad Eleusi, Milano, 2006, pp. 287-300; L, Lavan, M. Mulryan,The Archaeology of Late Antique 'Paganism', Boston 2009, pp. 261-345; I. Baldini, Atene: la città cristiana, in L.M. Caliò, E. Lippolis, V. Parisi (eds.), Gli Ateniesi e il loro modello di città, Roma 2014, pp. 309-322.

PART A (non attending students): I. Baldini, La fine del santuario e la cristianizzazione, in E. Lippolis, Mysteria. Archeologia e culto del santuario di Demetra ad Eleusi, Milano, 2006, pp. 287-300; L. Lavan, M. Mulryan,The Archaeology of Late Antique 'Paganism', Boston 2009, pp. 261-345; I. Baldini, Atene: la città cristiana, in L.M. Caliò, E. Lippolis, V. Parisi (eds.), Gli Ateniesi e il loro modello di città, Roma 2014, pp. 309-322; I. Baldini, La città tardoantica del Mediterraneo orientale: pratiche e modelli di organizzazione degli spazi religiosi, in M.C. Parello, S. Rizzo (a cura di), Paesaggi urbani tardoantichi. Casi a confronto, Bari 2016, pp. 23-30.

PART B (attending students): I. Baldini, Statuaria pagana e cristianesimo a Gortina tra IV e VIII secolo, in AA. VV., Ideologia e cultura artistica tra Adriatico e Mediterraneo orientale (IV-IX secolo): il ruolo dell’autorità ecclesiastica alla luce di nuovi scavi e ricerche, Bologna 2009, pp. 71-86; T.M. Kristensen, Miraculous Bodies: Christian Viewers and the Transformation of 'Pagan' Sculpture in Late Antiquity. in S Birk, B Poulsen (eds), Patrons and Viewers in Late Antiquity, Aarhus 2012, pp. 31-66; L. M. Stirling, Collections, Canon, and Context in Late Antiquity: The Afterlife of Greek Masterpieces in Late Antiquity, in S. Birk, T. M. Kristensen, B. Poulsen, Using Images in Late Antiquity, Oxford 2014, pp. 96-114; I. Baldini, Architettura e arredi nelle case tardoantiche di Atene, in I. Baldini, C. Sfameni (a cura di), Abitare nel Mediterraneo tardoantico (eds.), Bari 2018, pp. 523-534.

PART B (non attending students): I. Baldini, Statuaria pagana e cristianesimo a Gortina tra IV e VIII secolo, in AA. VV., Ideologia e cultura artistica tra Adriatico e Mediterraneo orientale (IV-IX secolo): il ruolo dell’autorità ecclesiastica alla luce di nuovi scavi e ricerche, Bologna 2009, pp. 71-86; L. Lavan, Political Talismans? Residual ‘Pagan’ Statues In Late Antique Public Space, in L. Lavan, M. Mulryan (eds.),The Archaeology of Late Antique 'Paganism', Boston 2009, pp. 437-477; T.M. Kristensen, Miraculous Bodies: Christian Viewers and the Transformation of 'Pagan' Sculpture in Late Antiquity. in S Birk & B Poulsen (eds), Patrons and Viewers in Late Antiquity, Aarhus 2012, pp. 31-66; L. M. Stirling, Collections, Canon, and Context in Late Antiquity: The Afterlife of Greek Masterpieces in Late Antiquity, in S. Birk, T. M. Kristensen B. Poulsen, Using Images in Late Antiquity, Oxford 2014, pp. 96-114; I. Baldini, Architettura e arredi nelle case tardoantiche di Atene, in I. Baldini, C. Sfameni (a cura di), Abitare nel Mediterraneo tardoantico Bari 2018, pp. 523-534.

 

Teaching methods

Lectures with direct involvement of the students (discussion) on the contents.

Assessment methods

The exam includes an oral interview, during which the student will discuss the issues dealt with. The candidate shall demonstrate an adequate knowledge of the main issues. The interview will be at the same time an opportunity to assess the candidates' ability to orient themselves within the content of the discipline. Any doubts about the characteristics of the test can be resolved, before the exam, by being present during other students' exams.

Top marks will be awarded to students displaying an overall understanding of the topics discussed during the course, combined with a critical approach to the material and a confident and effective use of the appropriate terminology.
Average marks will be awarded to students who have memorized the main points of the material and is able to summarize them satisfactorily and provide an effective critical commentary while failing to display a complete command of the appropriate terminology.
Students will be deemed to have failed the exam if they display significant errors in his understanding and failure to grasp the overall outlines of the subject, together with a poor command of the appropriate terminology.

It may be useful to attend - as spectators - the exam sessions, which are public.

Teaching tools

ppt downloadable

Links to further information

https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/isabella.baldini/didattica/programma/2020/323137

Office hours

See the website of Isabella Baldini