Module 1 is an introduction to the subject, which presents the evolution of writing in Ancient Greece. Students' active participation is required, especially for reading texts such as public and private inscriptions form the 8th century B.C. to Roman Age. The course will provide a historical interpretation of inscriptions; this will enable students to understand the role of epigraphy in the study and reconstruction of Greek civilization. Knowledge of Ancient Greek (basic knowledge) is required.
Getting acquainted with alphabetical Greek writing, its peculiarities and its evolution (from Archaic Age through Classical Age and until Hellenistic-Roman Age); Acquiring a method to critically analyze different kinds of epigraphic sources; Knowing Greek civilization by reading and analyzing epigraphic texts related to institutional, political and social contexts; Being able to carry out specific bibliographical research by using traditional and electronic research instruments.
At the end of the course, the students will be able to:
- orientate themselves in the specific bibliography and epigraphic corpora, through both traditional and online research tools - recognize the specificities of the Greek alphabets of the Archaic period and identify their historical evolution - recognize the typologies of Greek epigraphic documentation and undertake an initial classification - read short epigraphic texts in Greek autonomously - handle the complexity of analyzing fragmentary and punctual texts, tracing them back to the appropriate historic context - communicate in written form, effectively and personally, with appropriate language and argumentation, the critical analysis carried out on an epigraphic document - confidently expound one's own reflections and evaluations regarding the inscription studied through discussion in the classroom with the lecturer and colleagues
A knowledge, even basic, of ancient greek is necessary
Traditional lessons and lectures; practice essays; aulaweb.
Lessons will be held in presence. Attendance, although not mandatory, is recommended. Only those who attend lessons in presence will be deemed attending students.
The teacher, upon specific request by single students, could allow them to access the recordings of the lessons via Teams.
Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course
This part of the course will provide a methodological introduction to the main aspects and issues of this discipline. Moreover, the following topics will be addressed: origin and evolution of Greek alphabet; examples of archaic Greek alphabets; numeral systems; types and formulae of public and private inscriptions As part of her teaching support activities, Dr. Marta Pestarino will hold a 4-hour module on Aegean writing systems of the 2nd millennium BCE. Students will be provided with an anthology of epigraphic documents; during the course, students will read, translate and associate those documents with their historical context. In this part of the course, particular attention will be paid to texts concerning the status of women and social inequality. The nature of the subject itself requires the knowledge of Ancient Greek. Please remind that during the exam students will be asked to read and translate inscriptions that were studied in class. Regular attendance is recommended; students who cannot attend classes are kindly asked to contact the professor in order to agree upon an alternative program.
Recommended readings: M. GUARDUCCI, L’epigrafia greca dalle origini al tardo impero, Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, Roma 1987. Also: M.L. LAZZARINI, La scrittura nella città: iscrizioni, archivi, alfabetizzazione, in I Greci. Storia Cultura Arte Società (a cura di S. SETTIS), Einaudi, Torino 1997, II/2, pp. 725-750. The inscriptions that will be discussed are collected in: "Iscrizioni greche", a cura di S. de Vido, (Roma, Carocci Editore, 2018), nell'ambito del progetto "AXON. Per una silloge italiana di iscrizioni storiche greche" dell'Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia.
Instructions on the use of this bibliography will be given during the lessons.
Ricevimento: Wednesday 11-13; by appointment via e-mail: francesca.gazzano@unige.it (DIRAAS,sez. STORIA ANTICA, V.Balbi 4, I p.) or on Microsoft Teams, (codice x25e5v4).
FRANCESCA GAZZANO (President)
VALTER LAPINI
ELENA CIMAROSTI (President Substitute)
PIA CAROLLA (Substitute)
VALENTINA PESTARINO (Substitute)
VIVIANA PETTIROSSI (Substitute)
SIMONE PODESTA' (Substitute)
20/02/2024
GREEK EPIGRAPHY MODULE 1
Oral interview, including the discussion of a written essay on a previously assigned epigraphic text: the written essay and its oral discussion together contribute 40% to determining the overall assessment of the examination.
Oral exam
Assessment Methods
Oral interview: ascertains the acquisition of the basic methodology for the analysis of epigraphic texts, as well as knowledge of both the main forms of Greek writing and the main categories of epigraphic documents, especially of a public and institutional nature, and the bibliographical tools for research and updating.
The oral discussion of the written essay verifies the acquisition of the general theoretical principles when applied to the specific case (individual inscription, public or private, of historical, economic, social or cultural interest)
