Archaeology

The course aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the archaeological evidence left by the great Iranian and Greco-Iranian empires of the pre-Islamic historical period, covering the vast territories that were subject to their political-military control. Specifically, during the current academic year, the course lectures will cover the period from Iron Age III to the conquest of the Achaemenid Empire territories by Alexander the Great. Using a diachronic approach, the main archaeological evidence concerning settlements and material culture in the areas in question will be presented, covering this broad chronological span with a specific focus on the territories of Iran and Central Asia. Furthermore, the geographical aspects of these vast territories that most significantly impacted the area's socio-economic and historical-cultural development will also be analyzed from an archaeological perspective.

No mandatory prerequisites are required. However, a basic knowledge of the history of the pre-Islamic Iranian empires 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.