Archaeological Sciences

SAVINO DI LERNIA
SAVINO DI LERNIA

Consistent with the educational purposes of “L-1 Archaeological Sciences”, aim of the course is to give to the students a basic knowledge and comprehension skills in the field of AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGY, with the help of updated textbooks. Moreover, it will make the student able to apply the acquired knowledge competently and thoughtfully, making autonomous judgments, communicating ideas, problems and thoughts in a clear and correct way, and developing the knowledge required to go further in the studies.
The course combines historical and anthropological perspectives. It aims to provide theoretical, methodological and cultural elements related to the main topics of African Archaeology, such as the origin of Homo sapiens, the transition from hunting-gathering societies to early forms of animal husbandry and agriculture, the origin of symbolism and the development of rock art, the formation of complex societies and states. The course examines different regions of the African continent, with a focus on North Africa and its relationship with the Mediterranean basin.

- Basic knowledge of the main features of African Archaeology
- Chronology and cultures
- Basic understanding of African climate and environment

Basic knowledge of English and French is recommended.

Introduction to African Archaeology

The course aims to provide the basis for a first knowledge of African Archaeology, from the first forms of the genus Homo to the development of food-producing economies. The frontal lessons will address the relationships between climatic changes, environmental aspects and evolutionary trajectories of human groups. The study will focus on the great technological periods of Africa’s deep history: Early, Middle and Late Stone Age, and then on the dispersal of Homo sapiens, with specific insights on North Africa. The introduction of herding and the Neolithic developments will be analyzed through the study of contexts from the Nile Valley and Sahara, with particular focus to ritual and artistic phenomena.

Di Lernia, S. 2017. "Archeologia Africana. Preistoria, storia antica e arte rupestre". Carocci editore, Roma.

PDF and other material distributed during the course.

Not attending students must discuss with the teacher additional material

The course is organized in thematic lessons (each one covering a specific topic), with the aim to favor the understanding and the connections between climate, environment and cultural phenomena. Being structured for students at the beginning of their university path, the course analyzes the main phases of the African Archaeology providing the key competences in a progressive way. The first part (ca. 10 lessons) addresses general themes covering the deep history of the entire continent, whereas the second part is more specific, focusing on North African themes and the connections with the Mediterranean world.

Course attendance is not compulsory to do the oral exam, but it Is highly recommended.

After an adequate number of lectures, the course includes an in itinere evaluation (written test, duration from 1 to 2 hours) to verify the knowledge acquired on the geographical and environmental characteristics of the African continent. Although this evaluation is not mandatory and is not a prerequisite to do the final exam, it is highly recommended to distribute the workload in a more articulated way. The final exam is oral and can only be taken at the end of the course. It is aimed at assessing the overall knowledge acquired: in particular, familiarity with geographical aspects, with the main chronological periods, with topics of general interest.

Climate and environment in North Africa
Hunters and gatherers of the Sahara
Origin of Symbolism
Rock art in Africa

• Introduction and environmental features
  • Books: di Lernia 2017. Archeologia Africana (cap. 1 )


• The origins of our species
  • Books: di Lernia 2017. Archeologia Africana (cap. 2)


• From MSA to LSA
  • Books: di Lernia 2017. Archeologia Africana (cap. 3)


• Origins of food production
  • Books: di Lernia 2017. Archeologia Africana (cap. 4)


• Climatic changes and cultural strategies
  • Books: di Lernia 2017. Archeologia Africana (cap. 5)


• African rock art
  • Books: di Lernia 2017. Archeologia Africana (cap. 6)


• Social stratification and early states
  • Books: di Lernia 2017. Archeologia Africana (cap. 7)


• African archaeology today
  • Books: di Lernia 2017. Archeologia Africana (cap. 8)