OVERVIEW

The course aims to give a complete introduction to the main themes of research dealing with the development and evolution of late antiquity and medieval settlements in Italy (5th-13th centuries). The presentation of archaeological data is accompanied by a discussion of the contribution given by other sources (documentary, epigraphic, etc) in a global reconstructive framework that focuses on territorial history. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to present: introduction and main themes of research on development and evolution of late antiquity and medieval settlements; knowledge of the historiographical debate on “The end of the Ancient world and the beginning of the Middle ages”; capacity to frame the topics studied in a correct geographical and chronological context. Training activities may be integrated by participation in laboratory activities, archaeological excavations and reconnaissance organised by the course during the summer period. 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main aim of the course is to give wide knowledge of the main themes of research dealing with the development and evolution of late antiquity and medieval settlements. Other teaching objectives are: the development of the capacity to frame the topics studied in a correct geographical and chronological context; knowledge of the historiographical debate on “The end of the Ancient world and the beginning of the Middle ages”. Particular attention will be given to examples found in the Ligurian region. Specific in-depth studies will be dedicated to themes of history of cultural material and the knowledge of main archaeological “indicators” for the analysis and dating of late antiquity and early medieval contexts (ceramics, soapstone, glass, etc.).

Training activities may be integrated by participation in laboratory activities, archaeological excavations and reconnaissance organised by the course.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, case-study analyses, visits to archaeological sites and museums, seminars and workgroups.

Lecture contents and reference bibliography will be available on Aulaweb

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu (training credits).

Topics covered: Crisis and transformation of cities; The end of villas and villa society; Churches and christianising of cities and areas; The development of early medieval emporiums; Castles and fortifications; Archaeological traces of land and rural dominions; Urban development between the 10th and 11th centuries: archaeological documentation; Cities and countryside in the age of the city states; Main chronological indicators (ceramics, soapstones, glass, coins, etc) for datable stratigraphical sequences between the late antiquity and middle ages.

In the context of internationalisation teaching projects financed by the University, seminars given by visiting professors will be organised with lectures in Italian and English. Lectures may also be integrated by participation in laboratory activities, seminars, archaeological excavations and reconnaissance organised by the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

FABRIZIO BENENTE (President)

CARLO VARALDO

LESSONS

Class schedule

ARCHAEOLOGY AND LATE ANTIQUE AND MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENTS

EXAMS

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students who attend the course will be assessed half way through the course: students’ research and argumentation abilities will be assessed by presenting a brief paper on a theme assigned by the lecturer. This paper could consist in an individual research topic of the specific discipline or an exercise on a bibliography given by the lecturer (for example, reading an article or a book chapter).

To assess students who do not attend the course, they must send a brief written paper on a topic previously agreed upon with the lecturer.

The final oral exam for all students assesses the overall understanding and knowledge attained. The minimum requirement to pass the exam is the demonstration of an (at least) “sufficient” knowledge of all the topics on the course programme. 

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information on the course programme and exams, the course lecturer is available during office hours and can be contacted by email: fabrizio.benente@unige.it