METHODOLOGY OF ARCHAEOZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Course objectives

Consistent with the educational objectives of the Study Program in which it is inserted, the course aims to provide basic knowledge and understanding in the field of ARCHAEOZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES thanks to the support of manuals, atlases of comparison, didactic cards and comparison collection. The aim of the theoretical-practical course is to provide basic skills for the treatment in the field and in the laboratory and for the study of archaeological faunal finds from different archaeological sites regardless of the chronological and geographical context. At the end of the course the student will acquire a basic general knowledge of comparative anatomy and of the most used investigation methodology for the study of animal bones in order to understand the meaning of their presence within archaeological deposits. Finally, case studies useful for understanding the processes that lead to the interpretation of faunal data will be presented.

Channel 1
CLAUDIA MINNITI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Definition of Archeozoology and its relationship with other disciplines; short history of studies Excavation methods, survey and recovery of animal remains. Identify animal bones from archaeological sites at the body part and taxonomic level, Identification of age at death and sex. Identify pathologies. Taphonomy: human and natural modifications on animal bones. Osteometry. Main methods of quantification.
Prerequisites
Any Basic knowledge of zoology
Books
De Grossi Mazzorin J., 2008, Archeozoologia. Lo studio dei resti animali in archeologia, Laterza, Bari.
Frequency
Class attendance is strongly recommended. Non-attending students are asked to agree on the study texts.
Exam mode
Oral exam The exam aims to evaluate the achievement of the following objective: Knowledge of the main methods used in Archeozoology. The student will be evaluated on the basis of the quality and quantity of the contents exposed during the oral examination, the formal correctness of the exposition and the capacity for critical reflection and argumentation. The overall assessment will also take into account the seminar activity during which the student will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria: content consistency and problem management skills, exhibition capacity and language properties, ability to work in a group. Attendance at the course will be an element of appreciation of the student's assessment.
Lesson mode
Lectures (42hours)
  • Lesson code10607007
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseArchaeological Sciences
  • CurriculumArcheologia preistorica, classica, medievale
  • Year3rd year
  • Duration12 months
  • SSDL-ANT/10
  • CFU6