Archaeological Sciences

The course offers a broad and preliminary overview of the archaeology and art history of pre-Islamic Iran. The most important archaeological and artistic evidence in Iran from the Iron Age III and the following Achaemenid, Macedonian, Seleucid, Arsacid and Sasanian periods will be illustrated and discussed in a historical-cultural perspective, taking also into account the geographical and ideological features which deeply influenced the socio-economic and cultural development of the investigated area.

No mandatory prerequisites are required. However, a basic knowledge of the history of pre-Islamic Iran is strongly recommended

A detailed bibliography, including specific information for non-attending students, will be provided at the beginning of the course (in the second semester). Furthermore, during the lectures, additional scientific articles, monographs, and other readings useful for a critical in-depth analysis of the topics covered will be recommended. All required materials for the exam (encyclopedia entries, articles, book chapters) that are not freely available online will be made available to students in PDF format. It is also possible to consult the texts in the professor's office by appointment.

Lectures concerning specific issues related to the archaeology of pre-Islamic Iran, supported by multimedia presentations and followed by discussions aimed at developing the students’ methodological rigour and stimulating their critical reflexions. Multimedia presentations designed to summarise the main concepts discussed during each lesson and to display the analysed archaeological and iconographic evidence as well as related maps, plans and graphs will be used as teaching materials.

Classes are taught in person

Oral examination aimed at both assessing the student's overall level of knowledge (with particular reference to methodological aspects and the historical-geographical contextualization of the archaeological evidence discussed during the course) and verifying the achievement of specific skills. These skills include the critical ability to analyze and synthesize the topics and concepts presented, and the command of appropriate specialized terminology. To ensure a more effective assessment, students are strongly encouraged to bring all graphic and photographic material provided by the Professor to the exam

A detailed bibliography, including specific information for non-attending students, will be provided at the beginning of the course (in the second semester). Furthermore, during the lectures, additional scientific articles, monographs, and other readings useful for a critical in-depth analysis of the topics covered will be recommended. All required materials for the exam (encyclopedia entries, articles, book chapters) that are not freely available online will be made available to students in PDF format. It is also possible to consult the texts in the professor's office by appointment.

Lectures concerning specific issues related to the archaeology of pre-Islamic Iran, supported by multimedia presentations and followed by discussions aimed at developing the students’ methodological rigour and stimulating their critical reflexions. Multimedia presentations designed to summarise the main concepts discussed during each lesson and to display the analysed archaeological and iconographic evidence as well as related maps, plans and graphs will be used as teaching materials.