Archaeological Sciences

The course will focus on Panhellenic sanctuaries, with particular focus on the sanctuary of Olympia. Particular attention will be paid to the various phases of life, from the myths of foundation to the phases of historical age (Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Imperial age). In the course of the lectures the building interventions that gradually transformed the space and the religious life within the various sanctuaries will be examined: erections and functions of buildings such as stoai, athletic facilities, receptive buildings and of course large temple buildings and individual altars will be explored. The picture will be supplemented by in-depth discussions of votives, competitions, administration and more generally the life and religious performances of the various sanctuaries, both at the time of the great Panhellenic gatherings and in the interval between them. Research tools will be, in addition to the contexts returned by the archaeological documentation, also literary, epigraphic and iconographic sources.

A basic knowledge of Greek history is encouraged. A basic understanding of Ancient Greek and English (reading texts) is highly recommended. The recommended bibliography will enable students to navigate literary, epigraphic, and archaeological sources with ease.

In addition to the Handbook of Greek Archaeology (communicated in class), the following will be examined:1. J. Barringer, Olympia. A cultural History, 2021;2. H.W. Pleket, L’agonismo sportivo, in S. Settis (a cura di), I greci. Storia, Cultura, Arte, Società. I. Noi e i Greci, 1996, pp. 507-533;3. P. Lévêque, Anfizionie, comunità, concorsi, santuari panellenici, in S. Settis (a cura di), I greci. Storia, Cultura, Arte, Società. II. Una storia Greca. I. Formazione, 1996, pp. 1111-1140;4.P. Funke, Gli ombelichi del mondo.

Compatible with current Covid-19 regulations, The course will consist of hours of classroom lectures, supplemented by some visits to the main Roman museums, for a total of 42 hours. Course attendance is optional, but strongly recommended.

Classes are live. Course attendance is optional, but strongly recommended

The evaluation test will be oral, aimed at assessing the achievement of the educational objectives. The oral test is divided into two parts. I. Basic knowledge of Greek archaeology, assessed through questions relating to the Greek archaeology textbook included in the program; II. Monographic course on sanctuaries. Candidates will be asked to give a critical presentation of a particular monument, ritual, or festive ceremony, starting from a literary source, iconographic evidence, or archaeological context. Slides (already presented during the lessons and provided to students on the Classroom platform) may be examined, and candidates will be required to provide a description, critical commentary, and dating. The final assessment will be based on the knowledge acquired and, to a large extent, on the candidate's ability to think critically. The exam will take place in the professor's office, by appointment to be made on the Infostud platform. In line with the Athenaeum's policy, there is no difference in the programs and assessment methods between attending and non-attending students.

The course will consist of hours of classroom lectures, supplemented by some visits to the main Roman museums, for a total of 42 hours. Course attendance is optional, but strongly recommended.