Mediterranean Archaeology

Programma The course focuses on the historical and cultural dynamics that led to the birth of the Egyptian state; the oldest documentation of the period will also be analysed in light of the interpretation that Egyptian culture itself gives of its origins. Particular attention will be paid to the development of forms of power linked to the cultural construction of the territory. The course content consists of two parts: a) Direct documentation of the formative stages. The development of social stratification and embryonic forms of power. The reference centres of the formative period: the development of productive and representative models of cultural semantics. The rapid development of a cultural system that identifies with a substantially unified tradition, consistent with the concept of a territorial state. b) The memory of the formative period in Pharaonic culture. This approach aims to define the models that cultural memory considers representative and significant of the most ancient historical phase PLEASE NOTE: at the end of the course, students will be required to take a compulsory mid-term written exam. The results of this exam will be included in the final assessment, which will be completed by Prof. Marina Gallinaro, who will teach the course in the second semester.

J. Assmann, The Mind of Egypt. History and Meaning in the Time of the Pharaohs. Cambridge MA - London, Harward University Press, 2002, cap. 1: “The Beginnings”. B. Kemp, Ancient Egypt. Anatomy of a Civilization. Routledge, London-New York, 1991, capp. I-II (“The intellectual foundations of the early state”; “The dynamics of culture”). Lecture notes and presentations, available on the course Classroom.