OVERVIEW

The course deals with the main research topics of medieval archeology and of the history of material culture in the Mediterranean area, with particular regard to the development of the discipline and methodologies in the Eastern Mediterranean countries. A part of the course is dedicated to the "Crusader archeology" and to the research conducted in the main archaeological sites of the medieval Latin Levant (ie the current coastal strip of Syria, Lebanon and Israel).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims to provide investigation tools and methods of archaeological research in the field of Mediterranean archeology, with particular reference to Western settlements, those of the Black Sea and the overseas, from the Byzantine age to the beginning of the sixteenth century , and to develop the ability to correlate activity on the territory with historical interpretation.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with a general knowledge of the main themes of medieval archeology research conducted in the Mediterranean area. The aim of the course is that the participants acquire: the ability to frame the topics dealt with in a correct geographical and chronological context; the knowledge of the historiographical debate on "The end of the ancient world and the beginning of the Middle Ages in the Mediterranean". Specific insights will be dedicated to the theme of the history of material culture and to the knowledge of the main archaeological "indicators" for the analysis and dating of the medieval X-XIII century contexts in the Mediterranean area. The teaching activity can be integrated with the participation in optional activities: archaeological laboratory activities, participation in 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 medieval archeology in the Mediterranean area; 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 METHODS

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.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Program for students who use teaching for 6 credits
Topics addressed: Introduction to medieval archeology and the history of material culture in the Mediterranean area, with particular regard to the development of the discipline and methodologies in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea countries. Theoretical and practical aspects of medieval Mediterranean archeology : Islamic Archeology; Crusader archeology; Archeology of cities; Church archeology; Funerary archeology and history of mentality; Archeology of rural population; Archeology of fortified settlements; Archeology of production and history of material culture.
The teaching activity can be integrated with the participation in laboratory activities, archaeological excavations and reconnaissance organized and directed by the teacher.

Program for students who use teaching for 9 credits
General topics addressed: Introduction to medieval archeology and the history of material culture in the Mediterranean area, with particular regard to the development of discipline and methodologies in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea countries. Theoretical and practical aspects of Mediterranean archeology medieval: Islamic Archeology; Crusader archeology; Archeology of cities; Church archeology; Funerary archeology and history of mentality; Archeology of rural population; Archeology of fortified settlements; Archeology of production and history of material culture.
Deepening (3 credits): Crusader Archeology: archeology of western settlements in the Latin Levant. Material culture and circulation of techniques and artefacts in the medieval Mediterranean (X-XIII century).
The teaching activity can be integrated with the participation in laboratory activities, archaeological excavations and reconnaissance organized and directed by the teacher.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for students who use teaching for 6 credits
A. AUGENTI, Archeologia dell'Italia medievale, Laterza, 2016.
A. AUGENTI, Città e porti dall'antichità al Medioevo, Carocci, 2010.
A. CHAVARRIA ARNAU, Archeologia delle chiese. Dalle origini all'anno Mille, Carocci 2009.
I. BARBIERA, Tombe e identità nell'alto medioevo (secoli V-VIII), Carocci 2012.
S. GELICHI (a cura di), Quarant'anni di Archeologia Medievale in Italia, Archeologia Medievale, numero speciale, 2014.
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.

Bibliography for students who use teaching for 9 credits

A. AUGENTI, Archeologia dell'Italia medievale, Laterza, 2016.
A. AUGENTI, Città e porti dall'antichità al Medioevo, Carocci, 2010.
A. CHAVARRIA ARNAU, Archeologia delle chiese. Dalle origini all'anno Mille, Carocci 2009
S. GELICHI (a cura di), Quarant'anni di Archeologia Medievale in Italia, Archeologia Medievale, numero speciale, 2014.
I. BARBIERA, Tombe e identità nell'alto medioevo (secoli V-VIII), Carocci 2012.
A. BOAS, Crusader Archaeology. The Material Culture of the Latin East, London 1999.
E.J. STERN, Akko 1. The crusader period pottery, IAA Reports, 51, Jerusalem 2012 (consigliato per gli studenti di Scienze dell'Antichità).

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.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

FABRIZIO BENENTE (President)

CARLO VARALDO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

11 February  2018

Class schedule

ARCHAELOGY OF THE MEDIEVAL MEDITERRANEAN

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam with open questions. The "in test" assessment test will contribute to the final evaluation.
Non-attending students and Erasmus students can agree with the teacher an individual and differentiated program.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

For any further questions about the program of the course and the examination procedure, the teacher can be contacted at the reception hours and can be contacted by mail: fabrizio.benente@unige.it