ARCHAEOLOGY OF PREISLAMIC IRAN

Course objectives

In consistency with the educational purposes of the whole teaching course, aim of the teaching unit is to give students knowledge and comprehension skills in the field of ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE PREISLAMIC IRAN, that complete and/or reinforce those acquired in the first grade of studies. Moreover, it will make the students able to approach orginal themes in a research context, making more complex judgments, communicating knowledge and its process, and studying the subject in an independent and self-educational way. The course aims to provide an overview of the most important issues relating to the archeology of the Iranian pre-Islamic world.

Channel 1
GIULIO MARESCA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Lessons will focus on the crucial centuries of the Iron Age III and the Achaemenid period in Iran. The archaeological evidence concerning settlements and material culture in the latter timespan 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.
Prerequisites
A general knowledge of the history of Ancient Iran would be welcomed although not compulsory
Books
Scientific papers, monographs and other readings for the critical study of the discussed themes will be indicated at the end of each lesson. A specific and detailed bibliography will be indicated at the end of the course, including general additional readings for the students unable to attend the classes.
Teaching mode
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.
Frequency
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.
Exam mode
Oral examination in English language for foreign students is available on request. Oral examination test aimed at assessing the degree of knowledge gained by students in the discipline (including related methodological issues and with particular emphasis on the chrono-geographic setting of the archaeological evidence discussed) and at evaluating additional competences such as the critical capacity to analyse and summarise themes and concepts or the confident and effective use of a specialist language, with appropriate terminology. In order to improve the discussion’s level, students are warmly invited to sit the exam provided with all the graphic and photographic materials put at their disposal by the teacher.
Bibliography
Scientific papers, monographs and other readings for the critical study of the discussed themes will be indicated at the end of each lesson. A specific and detailed bibliography will be indicated at the end of the course, including general additional readings for the students unable to attend the classes.
Lesson mode
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.
GIULIO MARESCA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Lessons will focus on the crucial centuries of the Iron Age III and the Achaemenid period in Iran. The archaeological evidence concerning settlements and material culture in the latter timespan 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.
Prerequisites
A general knowledge of the history of Ancient Iran would be welcomed although not compulsory
Books
Scientific papers, monographs and other readings for the critical study of the discussed themes will be indicated at the end of each lesson. A specific and detailed bibliography will be indicated at the end of the course, including general additional readings for the students unable to attend the classes.
Teaching mode
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.
Frequency
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.
Exam mode
Oral examination in English language for foreign students is available on request. Oral examination test aimed at assessing the degree of knowledge gained by students in the discipline (including related methodological issues and with particular emphasis on the chrono-geographic setting of the archaeological evidence discussed) and at evaluating additional competences such as the critical capacity to analyse and summarise themes and concepts or the confident and effective use of a specialist language, with appropriate terminology. In order to improve the discussion’s level, students are warmly invited to sit the exam provided with all the graphic and photographic materials put at their disposal by the teacher.
Bibliography
Scientific papers, monographs and other readings for the critical study of the discussed themes will be indicated at the end of each lesson. A specific and detailed bibliography will be indicated at the end of the course, including general additional readings for the students unable to attend the classes.
Lesson mode
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.
  • Lesson code1038566
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseArchaeology
  • CurriculumArcheologia preistorica e protostorica
  • Year2nd year
  • Duration12 months
  • SSDL-OR/16
  • CFU6