OVERVIEW

The course deals with the main research themes of archeology of the late antiquity and early medieval city in Italy and in the Mediterranean area. The presentation of the archaeological data is accompanied by a discussion on the contribution of other sources (documentary, epigraphic, etc.) in a global reconstructive framework which has as its objective the knowledge of the history of the post-classical city.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course deals with the main research themes of the archeology of the late antique and early medieval city. The presentation of the archaeological data is accompanied by a discussion on the contribution of other sources (documentary, epigraphic, etc.) in a global reconstructive framework that has as its objective the knowledge of the history of the post-classical city. Specific insights will be dedicated to the following topics: the crisis of the cities of ancient foundation; the urban transformations between late antiquity and the early Middle Ages; fortification and defense; living in the city: building techniques; the Christianization of urban space: archeology of churches and funerary areas; cities, ports, businesses; history of material culture and knowledge of the main archaeological "indicators" for the analysis and dating of late ancient and medieval urban contexts.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course deals with the main research themes of the archeology of the late antique and early medieval city. The presentation of the archaeological data is accompanied by a discussion on the contribution of other sources (documentary, epigraphic, etc.) in a global reconstructive framework that has as its objective the knowledge of the history of the post-classical city. Specific insights will be dedicated to the following topics: the crisis of the cities of ancient foundation; the urban transformations between late antiquity and the early Middle Ages; fortification and defense; living in the city: building techniques; the Christianization of urban space: archeology of churches and funerary areas; cities, ports, businesses; history of material culture and knowledge of the main archaeological "indicators" for the analysis and dating of late ancient and medieval urban contexts.

At the end of the course, the student must:

•     have acquired adequate knowledge and an effective understanding of the archeology of the late ancient and early medieval city;

•     being able to place the topics addressed in a correct geographical and chronological context;

•     be able to apply the acquired knowledge and develop forms of autonomous critical analysis;

•     have developed the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to different contexts. knowing how to analyze scientific articles;

•     be able to understand editions of archaeological excavations;

•     knowing how to preliminarily identify the main classes of archaeological finds coming from urban excavation contexts;

•     develop adequate learning skills that allow him to continue to explore the main issues of the discipline independently, especially in the work contexts in which he will work.

PREREQUISITES

Not requested 

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching activity includes: lectures and multimedia presentations; case study analysis; visits to archaeological sites and museums; seminars and laboratory activities.

•      Attendance at lessons is recommended.

•      Participation in laboratory and field activities is optional.

•      It is also recommended to register for the course on Aul@ web to receive information and to download the teaching material viewed during the lessons

Please refer to the Aul@web page of the Teaching for any further updates that may be necessary during the academic year.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities  and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with the Department’s disability liaison."

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Program for students who use teaching for 6 credits

Topics addressed: Archeology of late ancient and early medieval cities: theoretical and practical aspects; the crisis of the cities of ancient foundation; the urban transformations between late antiquity and the early Middle Ages; fortification and defense; living in the city: building techniques; the Christianization of urban space: archeology of churches and funerary areas; cities, ports and trade; Archeology of production and history of material culture: the main archaeological "indicators" for the analysis and dating of late ancient and medieval urban contexts.

•     The teaching activity can be integrated with participation in laboratory activities, archaeological excavations and surveys organized and directed by the teacher.

Program for students who use teaching for 9 credits

Topics addressed: Archeology of late ancient and early medieval cities: theoretical and practical aspects; the crisis of the cities of ancient foundation; the urban transformations between late antiquity and the early Middle Ages; fortification and defense; living in the city: building techniques; the Christianization of urban space: archeology of churches and funerary areas; cities, ports and trade; Archeology of production and history of material culture: the main archaeological "indicators" for the analysis and dating of late ancient and medieval urban contexts.
In-depth study (3 credits): Early medieval and medieval (VIII-XII century) transport containers in the Mediterranean. Producer centers, contents, exchange networks; Material culture and circulation of techniques and artefacts in the medieval Mediterranean (X-XIII century).

•     The teaching activity can be integrated with participation in laboratory activities, archaeological excavations and surveys 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.
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 Aul@web 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.
G. BROGIOLO, A. CHAVARRIA ARNAU, Archeologia postlassica,Temi, strumenti, prospettive, Carocci 2020
A. CHAVARRIA ARNAU, Archeologia delle chiese. Dalle origini all'anno Mille, Carocci 2018
I. BARBIERA, Tombe e identità nell'alto medioevo (secoli V-VIII), Carocci 2012.

Detailed bibliography will be provided at the end of each lesson and will be made available through the Aul@web service.
Non-attending students can agree on an educational program with the teacher.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

FABRIZIO BENENTE (President)

FABIO NEGRINO

STEFANO COSTA (Substitute)

ANTONINO FACELLA (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Monday, 22th September 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam includes an oral test in the form of an interview. The student must demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the topics covered in the course (if attending) or knowledge and understanding of the texts listed in the Bibliography (if not attending).

 Non-attending students and Erasmus students can also agree on an individual and differentiated program with the teacher.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The method of assessing the degree of learning achieved takes into account the following scale of values:

1. if the student demonstrates that he has understood the proposed texts, the periodizations addressed and the topics presented in class, the exam will be evaluated with marks between excellent and excellent (from 28 to 30 with honors);
2. an exclusively mnemonic knowledge (therefore lacking in deep understanding), superficial analysis and correct but not always appropriate language will lead to an evaluation between good (25-27) and fair (23-24);
3. an approximate knowledge, a superficial understanding and inappropriate expressive modalities can be considered sufficient (18-22);
4. training gaps, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliographic materials and the topics presented in class will be evaluated negatively.