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.
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.
The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the main themes of research on the development of late ancient and medieval settlements. The aim of the course is that the participants acquire knowledge of archeology, history of material culture and of the main archaeological "indicators" for the analysis and dating of late ancient and early Middle Ages (ceramic, soapstone, glass, coins, etc.). The teaching activity will be integrated with the participation in laboratory activities (analysis and classification of excavation finds), workshops, archaeological excavations and reconnaissance organized by the teacher. The learning activity involves the preparation and presentation of an individual research, starting from texts that will be provided by the teacher. At the end of the course the student will be able to: acquire the ability to frame the topics addressed in a correct geographical and chronological context; demonstrate knowledge of the main themes of the historiographical debate on "The end of the ancient world and the beginning of the Middle Ages"; analyze scientific articles; include editions of archaeological excavations; to identify (in a preliminary way) the main classes of finds; to distinguish the contribution that a single archaeological excavation can bring to the research topics previously examined and studied.
Teaching activities include lectures, analysis of case studies, visits to archaeological sites and museums, seminars and group work. Attendance at lessons is recommended. Participation in laboratory activities and activities in the field is optional. The teaching contents of the lessons and the reference bibliography will be made available through "Aulaweb" service.
Arguments: The end of the ancient world and the beginning of the Middle Ages; Crisis and transformation of cities; The end of the villas and the "villa society"; Churches and Christianization of the city and territory; The development of early medieval emporia; Castles and fortification; The development of urban settlements between the tenth and eleventh centuries; Cttà and campaign in the communal age; The main chronological indicators for late ancient and medieval archeology (ceramics, soapstone, glass, coins, etc.). The teaching activity can be integrated with the participation in archaeological laboratory activities, seminars, archaeological excavations and reconnaissance organized and directed by the teacher.
A. AUGENTI, Archeologia dell'Italia medievale, Laterza, 2016. A. AUGENTI (a cura di), Le città italiane tra la tarda antichità e l'alto medioevo, Atti del convegno (Ravenna, 26-28 febbraio 2004), Biblioteca di Archeologia Medievale, Firenze 2006. G.P. BROGIOLO, A. CHAVARRIA ARNAU, Aristocrazia e campagne nell'Occidente da Costantino a Carlo Magno, Firenze 2005. A. CHAVARRIA ARNAU, Archeologia delle chiese. Dalle origini all'anno Mille, Carocci 2009
Detailed bibliography will be provided at the end of each lesson and will be made available through the Aulaweb service. Non-attending students can agree on an educational program with the teacher.
Ricevimento: Wednesday 9.00-11.00. Wednesday 14.00-16.0 office hours can be arranged in case of motivated needs (eg student workers, undergraduates with thesis review needs, etc.). The teacher can be contacted by email: fabrizio.benente@unige.it
FABRIZIO BENENTE (President)
FABIO NEGRINO
CARLO VARALDO
October 1, 2018
Oral exam with open questions. The assessment test contributes to the final evaluation. Non-attending students and Erasmus students can agree with the teacher an individual and differentiated program.
For attending students there will be an ongoing assessment, halfway through the course. This is a verification of learning skills and argumentation, through the presentation in the classroom of a short paper on a topic assigned by the teacher. This elaboration may consist of an individual research concerning the specific disciplinary area, or in an exercise developed on the bibliography provided by the teacher (for example the reading of an article, or of a book chapter). For non-attending students, the in itinere verification is replaced by the sending of a short written paper, on a topic previously agreed with the teacher. The final exam, in oral form, will allow to verify the results of comprehension and knowledge obtained overall. The minimum requirement for passing the exam is to demonstrate that you have reached (at least) "sufficient" knowledge of all the topics that make up the course program.
For any further questions about the program of the course and the examination procedure, the teacher can be available during office hours and can be contacted by email: fabrizio.benente@unige.it
