Archaeological Sciences

The course offers the basic elements of Pharaonic culture (culture, history, archaeology), with a focus on language and writing, fundamental components of Egyptian civilisation. The course contents include: (a) The formation of the state. (b) The fundamental characteristics of the culture. (c) Society and territory. (d) The interpretation of reality and religious thought. (e) Language and written culture. The course content will be developed in two distinct sections: - Introduction to Pharaonic culture, points (a)-(d). - Language and written culture, point (e). During the course, there will be a visit to the Museum of Egypt and the Near East at Sapienza University.

There are no specific prerequisites for participation in the course. It is desirable that students have a basic knowledge of the ancient world (especially the Eastern and Mediterranean areas) and its geography.

P. Piacentini; M. Pozzi Battaglia, Egittologia. Un'introduzione. Le Monnier Universitaria, Milano, 2023. E.M. Ciampini, La lingua dell’Antico Egitto, Ulrico Hoepli, Milano, 2019. Appunti del corso; presentazioni disponibili sul Classroom del corso.

Given the content of the course, attendance is highly recommended. Presentations will be used regularly during lessons and will then be made available in the course classroom.

The final examination consists of an oral test covering the topics discussed in the course and in the textbooks listed in the bibliography. The test is divided into two parts: - Knowledge of Pharaonic culture. - Reading, translation and commentary on a text analysed during the course.

P. Piacentini; M. Pozzi Battaglia, Egittologia. Un'introduzione. Le Monnier Universitaria, Milano, 2023. E.M. Ciampini, La lingua dell’Antico Egitto, Ulrico Hoepli, Milano, 2019.

The course is held in person and is divided into two different modes. - Lectures introducing Egyptian culture; visit to the Sapienza Museum (12 hours). - Lectures on language and written culture (30 hours).