85133 - Archaeology of the Etruscan City

Learning outcomes

The course offers a broad perspective on the archeology of the city in Etruria, a fundamental aspect of Etruscan civilization according to literary sources and archaeological reality.  The course aims to conduct the analysis of the Etruscan city, understood in general terms as institutional reality, in its topographical, ritual and functional aspects and, secondly, the planimetric, monumental, cultural and architectural aspects of the main cities of the Etruscan Po Valley, Tyrrhenian Etruria and Campania. At the end of the course, the student is thoroughly acquainted with the physiognomy of the Etruscan city and is able to navigate within this reality, including its institutional features and specific meanings. In addition, the student is able to recognize the main monumental aspects of the individual cities of Etruria. Finally, the course aims to make the student capable of conducting independent research on issues related to the topic of teaching. In order to achieve this fundamental goal during the course, we provide essential methodological and bibliographic tools.

Course contents

The course will introduce the following topics:

 

1. Etruscans and the city:

- The foundation and planning of cities;

- Sacred spaces ;

- The necropolis;

- Living spaces and craftsmanship;

- Cities and their surroundings.

2. Layout and monuments of Etrurian cities :

- Tyrrhenian Etruria;

- Po Valley;

- Campania.

3. Focus on an Etrurian city (a different city is chosen every year).

- Vulci

Students who have already joined the class in the past years, but are interested in this particular Etruscan city are welcomed.

Attendance of the classes is highly recommended.

 

Students, who are interested in getting a better understanding of the Etruscan city, can also join the courses taught by Professor Elisabetta Govi, Etruscology and Italic Archaeology, and Professor Andrea Gaucci, Italic and Celtic Archaeology.

Readings/Bibliography

Students who attend all the lessons are requested to study the following bibliography:

• Personal notes taken during the lessons (topics 1 and 3);
• S. Bruni (a cura di), Gli Etruschi delle città. Fonti, ricerche e scavi, Milano 2010 (topic 2).

 

Students who do not attend the lessons must contact the Teacher by email to define a specific bibliography to study.

 

Students who did not attend a course of Etruscology are requested to study a supplementary book in Italian or in another language (e.g. G. Bartoloni, Introduzione all'Etruscologia, Milano 2012 or G. Camporeale, Gli Etruschi. Storia e civiltà, Prima parte) or joining the class of Etruscologia ed archeologia italica (October 2022, Mondays and Thursdays at 11AM). Please, contact the Teacher for further information.

 

Foreign students, studentswith learning difficulties or DSAs are welcome to meet the Professor and agree with her on a specific bibliography in a foreign language, maps of concepts, etc. These students are requested to contact the Professor as soon as the lessons start.

Teaching methods

Face-to-face 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 (Director Prof. Elisabetta Govi).

Assessment methods

The exam consists in an oral test, concerning the history and evolution of Etruscan cities and their artistic production. A good knowledge of the bibliography and course topics is required. Three general questions are the starting point of a more detailed discussion.

Students are required to speak Italian or English fluently.

The overall assessment will consider the following parameters:

- an excellent knowledge of the topics, the ability to analyse themes, refer to them using field-specific terminology, and discuss specific issues critically, expressing an opinion, will be rewarded with an excellent 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.

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.

Papers will be suggested to improve students' knowledge and interest in the Etruscan civilization. 

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Pizzirani