ANTONIO FRANCESCO FERRANDES

CORSI 2025-26
 
ARCHAEOLOGY OF LIVING SPACE (LM)
The classes will take place during the first semester, from November 18, 2025 to December 20, 2025, according to the following schedule:
Tuesdays, 14:00–16:00 and Wednesdays, 12:00–14:00, both at the Museo delle Antichità etrusche ed italiche.

NB: Students who intend to attend the course are kindly requested to send an email to the instructor in order to be added to the classroom.

Course Title: 'The places of commerce in ancient Rome'

Course Description
This course investigates the architecture, organization, and social meaning of commercial spaces in Ancient Rome. Through lectures, discussions, and site visits, students will explore how trade and commerce shaped the Roman urban landscape, from the local market to the Mediterranean trading system.
Special attention will be given to Rome, Ostia, and Pompeii as key case studies illustrating the interplay between economy, infrastructure, and daily life.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Identify the main types of commercial buildings in Ancient Rome.
2. Analyze archaeological and textual evidence of trade and markets.
3. Understand how commerce influenced urban and social development.
4. Compare ancient and modern commercial practices.
5. Evaluate the role of commerce in shaping imperial Rome’s identity.

Teaching Methods

• Illustrated lectures and case studies
• Group discussion and critical readings
• Field visits with guided interpretation
• Short written reflections and presentations

Assessment Methods
ComponentDescriptionWeightParticipation and short field reportsActive engagement in class and on-site visits 30%
Analytical essay (1,500–2,000 words)Discussion of a selected commercial site or theme 30%
Final presentationGroup or individual research presentation 40%

Key Readings
Core Bibliography:

• Holleran, C. Shopping in Ancient Rome: The Retail Trade in the Late Republic and the Principate.
• Laurence, R. Roman Pompeii: Space and Society.
• Pavolini, C. La vita quotidiana a Roma: commercio, artigianato e traffici.
• Rickman, G. The Corn Supply of Ancient Rome.
• Wilson, A., & Bowman, A. (eds.). Trade, Commerce, and the State in the Roman World.
• Morley, N. Metropolis and Hinterland: The City of Rome and the Italian Economy, 200 BC–AD 200.

Additional References:

• DeLaine, J., & Laurence, R. (eds.). Roman Urban Topography and Society.
• Tchernia, A. Le vin de l’Italie romaine.
• Temin, P. The Roman Market Economy.

Course Policies

• Attendance: Compulsory for both classroom sessions and field visits.
• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism will result in failure of the assignment.
• Language: All coursework and discussion in English.
• Accessibility: Students with specific learning needs are encouraged to contact the instructor early in the semester.

ESAMI 2026
Gennaio, 13 e 29 - ore 9.30.  
Febbraio, 17 - ore 9.30. 
Aprile, 21 - ore 9.30.
Giugno, 9 e 23 -ore 9,30.
Luglio, 7 - ore 9,30.
Settembre, 8 e 22 - ore 9.30.