89211 - Mycenaean Philology and Civilisation (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

Upon successfull completion of this course, students will achieve basic skills in reading the syllabary and in interpreting a selection of texts and will be able to embed them in the archaeological context of the Mycenaean palaces and the Aegean material culture.

Course contents

The module follows four trajectories:

A. Reading Linear B. Introduction to the decipherment of Linear B, its orthographic conventions, morphological reconstruction of the Mycenaean dialect and interpretation of the most significant texts from the archives of the palaces (mainly from Pylos and Knossos).

B. Epigraphy of the tablets. Introduction to the syllabary, scribal practices, palatial administration and inner workings of archival management. Introduction to the other undeciphered Aegean scripts, namely Cretan Hieroglyphic, Linear A and Cypro-Minoan.

C. Aegean Archaeology. Archaeological context in which the Linear B tablets operate, reconstruction of aspects of Mycenaean culture in its broadest array, such as society, economy and religion. Minoan and Mycenaean material cultures confronted.

D. Individual Directed Study

Each student will be assigned a specific tailor-made research path, which will include:

1. Two ppt/keynote presentations on specific topics, with an ad hoc bibliography. (Max 30’ for each presentation)
2. Philological interpretation of a series of Linear B texts (up to 10) of self-standing genre (economy, textile or perfume industry, banquets, religion).
3. One essay (up to 5000 words) on a chosen topic, focused on philological/epigraphic themes.

E. Linear B Lab (‘Practicals’). Two practicals on the creation of Linear B tablets and syllabic writing exercises.

Readings/Bibliography

Introduction

J.T. Hooker. 1991. Linear B. An Introduction. Bristol.

A. Philology

M. Ventris e J. Chadwick. 1972, II ed. Documents in Mycenaean Greek. Cambridge. Only selected chapters.

Y. Duhoux and A. Morpurgo Davies (2008, eds.) A Companion to Linear B: Mycenaean Texts and their World, Louvain. Only volume 1.

Translation aid:

F. Aura Jorro, 1993. Diccionario micénico. 2 volumes, Madrid.

B. Epigraphy

M. Del Freo, M. Perna. 2016, eds. [http://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/manuale-epigrafia-micenea-introduzione-studio/libro/9788862927161]. 2 volumes, Padua.

C. Archaeology

J. Chadwick. 1976. The Mycenaean World, Cambridge; or C. Shelmerdine. 2008, ed. Cambridge Companion to the Aegean Bronze Age, Cambridge; or L. Bombardieri, G. Graziadio, e A.M. Jasink. 2015. Preistoria e Protostoria Egea e Cipriota. Firenze (Sections on Cyprus excluded).

D. Individual Directed Study

Specific material to be agreed with the convener. 

Teaching methods

Seminar-based, with direct participation from the students, who will present specific topics in class and write a short essay.

Assessment methods

Assessment revolves round:

1. A final oral exam.
2. Assessment throughout the course on the individual directed study (D Directed Study: 1, 2, 3, supra).

Teaching tools

All lectures are on ppt/keynote. The Linear B mini-lab involves the use of clay and wooden styli for the re-creation of Mycenaean tablets and nodules.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Ferrara