Archaeological Sciences

Social and Economic Activities in Late Prehistory: Pottery in the Bronze Age – Stylistic, Technological, and Functional Aspects The course will focus on the analysis of social and economic activities in Later Prehistory, with particular attention to the multiple theoretical, methodological, and interpretative aspects related to the study of the production, use, and circulation of pottery during the Bronze Age in the central Mediterranean. Over the past decades, research in prehistoric archaeology and experimental archaeology, alongside the increasingly widespread adoption of detailed analytical approaches, including physico-chemical analyses, has provided new data that allow a multi-scalar investigation of ceramic production. The study of pottery contributes significantly to the reconstruction of the activities undertaken by prehistoric communities, as well as to the understanding of the social contexts of production and consumption. The course will especially examine selected case studies from different geographical areas and chronological phases of the Bronze Age.

No specific prerequisites are needed

Special exam programs can be agreed upon; for students attending the lessons the reading list will be provided during the seminar.

Non mandatory but advised

Mid-term assessments are based on the participation to the seminar and the presentations. Oral exam at the end of the course.

Part of the course will be a seminar. Introductive lessons will be followed by participants’ presentations and collective discussions on the basis of selected readings.

Social and Economic Activities in Late Prehistory: Pottery in the Bronze Age – Stylistic, Technological, and Functional Aspects The course will focus on the analysis of social and economic activities in Later Prehistory, with particular attention to the multiple theoretical, methodological, and interpretative aspects related to the study of the production, use, and circulation of pottery during the Bronze Age in the central Mediterranean. Over the past decades, research in prehistoric archaeology and experimental archaeology, alongside the increasingly widespread adoption of detailed analytical approaches, including physico-chemical analyses, has provided new data that allow a multi-scalar investigation of ceramic production. The study of pottery contributes significantly to the reconstruction of the activities undertaken by prehistoric communities, as well as to the understanding of the social contexts of production and consumption. The course will especially examine selected case studies from different geographical areas and chronological phases of the Bronze Age.

No specific prerequisites are needed

Special exam programs can be agreed upon; for students attending the lessons the reading list will be provided during the seminar.

Non mandatory but advised

Mid-term assessments are based on the participation to the seminar and the presentations. Oral exam at the end of the course.

Part of the course will be a seminar. Introductive lessons will be followed by participants’ presentations and collective discussions on the basis of selected readings.