Historical Studies

The course aims to provide students with a critical analysis of Late Antique sources, particularly those related to the various currents of Jesus' followers within the Roman Empire and the historical and cultural context in which they developed. The primary goal is to explore the different representations of the divine sphere, power, gender distinctions, as well as devotional and cultic practices. Special attention will be given to recent historiography and the methodological assumptions required to examine, in the first part of the course, the role of women within the dialectical dynamics of the early Christian communities, the formation of the "Great Church," and its interaction with groups defined as heretical or marginal. Other religious traditions in the Empire, such as polytheism and various forms of Judaism, will also be considered. In the second part of the course, the focus will shift to places and objects of worship, reference societies, and the relationship between doctrinal currents and the lived religiosity of the masses.

A basic background in the history of Christianity and the history of religions is required.

Students are required to study the following: Materials distributed during lectures (for attending students only). T. Canella, Il peso della tolleranza. Cristianesimo antico e alterità, Morcelliana, Collana “Storia”, Brescia 2017; La Memoria e l’Immagine. Linguaggio, testi e cultura visuale nella costruzione delle memorie culturali cristiane tardoantiche (III-VII sec.). Premesse metodologiche, in Rivista di Storia del Cristianesimo 20(2/2023), pp. 227–242 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom); T. Canella, Impero cristiano, semiotica del potere e rappresentazioni del divino. L’elaborazione della memoria di Elena Augusta tra modelli femminili e teologia politica, in T. Canella (ed.), La Memoria e l’Immagine. Linguaggio, testi e cultura visuale nella costruzione delle memorie culturali cristiane tardoantiche (III-VII sec.), Rivista di Storia del Cristianesimo 20(2/2023), pp. 337–368 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom); T. Canella, Segni, sogni e visioni nella letteratura di età costantiniana, in Segni, sogni, materie e scrittura dall’Egitto tardoantico all’Europa carolingia, ed. by Antonella Ghignoli – Maria Boccuzzi – Anna Monte – Nina Sietis, Roma, Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura, 2023, pp. 1–40 (available in open access here: https://www.storiaeletteratura.it/catalogo/segni-sogni-materie-e-scrittu...); T. Canella, La costruzione della memoria di Elena Augusta fra propaganda politico-religiosa ed esigenze devozionali, in Atti del XLVIII Incontro di Studiosi dell'Antichità Cristiana, Istituto Patristico Augustinianum, 2023, pp. 337–348 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom). Non-attending students are required to integrate the syllabus (so that it matches that of attending students, in accordance with Article 40, paragraph 9 of the updated Student Regulations) by selecting two of the following readings: R. Barcellona, A. Mursia, A. Rotondo (eds.), Politeismi. Cristianesimi. Paganesimi. Strumenti e metodi per percorsi diacronici fra religioni, Rubbettino, 2025; K.E. Børresen, E. Prinzivalli (eds.), Le donne nello sguardo degli antichi autori cristiani. L’uso dei testi biblici nella costruzione dei modelli femminili e la riflessione teologica dal I al VII secolo, Trapani, Il Pozzo di Giacobbe, 2013; B. Girotti, G. Marsili, M. E. Pomero (eds.), Il potere dell'immagine e della parola. Elementi distintivi dell'aristocrazia femminile da Roma a Bisanzio, Spoleto, CISAM, 2022; T. Canella (ed.), L’Impero costantiniano e i luoghi sacri, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2016 (5 essays of choice – available at the Department Library); T. Canella – M. Marcos (eds.), Loca Haereticorum. La geografia dell’eresia nel Mediterraneo Tardoantico, SMSR 85/1, Morcelliana, Brescia, 2019 (5 essays of choice); M. Chiriatti, M. Vallejo, Riflessi di porpora: declinazioni di potere femminile tra Roma, Bisanzio e l’Occidente Medievale, Spoleto, CISAM, 2023; C. Rollinger, N. Viermann (eds.), Female Power and Performance at the Late Roman Court, Liverpool, Liverpool University Press, 2024; K. Ehrensperger, J. Hoppe, S. Sheinfeld, Constructions of Gender in Religious Tradition in Late Antiquity, Lanham, Fortress Academic, 2024; Schüssler Fiorenza, E. (ed.), Feminist Biblical Studies in the Twentieth Century, SBL: Atlanta, GA, 2014; Taylor, J.E., Ramelli, I., Patterns of Women’s Leadership in Early Christianity, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2021; «Masculum et feminam creavit eos», Gen. 1,27: paradigmi del maschile e femminile nel cristianesimo antico. Atti del XLVII Incontro di studiosi dell’Antichità cristiana (Rome, 9–11 May 2019), Roma, Institutum Patristicum Augustinianum, 2020 (5 essays of choice).

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended, as active participation in class is essential for a full understanding of the course content, methodological approaches, and critical perspectives introduced throughout the lectures. Students who do not attend regularly are required to study the set of materials listed in the exam syllabus and are encouraged to contact the instructor for any clarifications, bibliographic updates, or specific guidance related to individual preparation.

The oral exam constitutes the final stage of assessment and is designed to evaluate the student’s comprehensive understanding of the course content, their ability to critically analyze texts, their mastery of the disciplinary vocabulary, and their interpretative autonomy. The exam will take place individually and will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes. During the oral examination, students will be asked to: respond to questions on the main topics covered during the course; analyze and comment on primary texts (literary, philosophical, historical, etc.) included in the syllabus; contextualize authors and works within their historical and cultural frameworks; critically discuss the secondary literature assigned; present any thematic or interpretative insights previously agreed upon with the instructor. The final evaluation will be based on the following criteria: Knowledge of course content (30%): solid grasp of the topics, texts, and specialized vocabulary; Critical and interpretative skills (30%): ability to analyze sources, engage with complex issues, and formulate independent judgments; Clarity of expression and language accuracy (20%): coherent articulation of ideas, linguistic correctness, and appropriate use of disciplinary terminology; Ability to make connections (20%): competence in linking authors, texts, contexts, and transversal themes discussed in class. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate an adequate level of preparation across all the above-mentioned areas. Higher marks will be awarded to those who combine sound knowledge with critical insight and interpretative maturity.

1. T. Canella, Il peso della tolleranza. Cristianesimo antico e alterità, Morcelliana, Collana “Storia”, Brescia 2017; 2. La Memoria e l’Immagine. Linguaggio, testi e cultura visuale nella costruzione delle memorie culturali cristiane tardoantiche (III-VII sec.). Premesse metodologiche, in Rivista di Storia del Cristianesimo 20(2/2023), pp. 227–242 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom); 3. T. Canella, Impero cristiano, semiotica del potere e rappresentazioni del divino. L’elaborazione della memoria di Elena Augusta tra modelli femminili e teologia politica, in T. Canella (ed.), La Memoria e l’Immagine. Linguaggio, testi e cultura visuale nella costruzione delle memorie culturali cristiane tardoantiche (III-VII sec.), Rivista di Storia del Cristianesimo 20(2/2023), pp. 337–368 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom); 4. T. Canella, Segni, sogni e visioni nella letteratura di età costantiniana, in Segni, sogni, materie e scrittura dall’Egitto tardoantico all’Europa carolingia, ed. by Antonella Ghignoli – Maria Boccuzzi – Anna Monte – Nina Sietis, Roma, Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura, 2023, pp. 1–40 (available in open access here: https://www.storiaeletteratura.it/catalogo/segni-sogni-materie-e-scrittu...); 5. T. Canella, La costruzione della memoria di Elena Augusta fra propaganda politico-religiosa ed esigenze devozionali, in Atti del XLVIII Incontro di Studiosi dell'Antichità Cristiana, Istituto Patristico Augustinianum, 2023, pp. 337–348 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom). • R. Barcellona, A. Mursia, A. Rotondo (eds.), Politeismi. Cristianesimi. Paganesimi. Strumenti e metodi per percorsi diacronici fra religioni, Rubbettino, 2025; • K.E. Børresen, E. Prinzivalli (eds.), Le donne nello sguardo degli antichi autori cristiani. L’uso dei testi biblici nella costruzione dei modelli femminili e la riflessione teologica dal I al VII secolo, Trapani, Il Pozzo di Giacobbe, 2013; • B. Girotti, G. Marsili, M. E. Pomero (eds.), Il potere dell'immagine e della parola. Elementi distintivi dell'aristocrazia femminile da Roma a Bisanzio, Spoleto, CISAM, 2022; • T. Canella (ed.), L’Impero costantiniano e i luoghi sacri, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2016 (5 essays of choice – available at the Department Library); • T. Canella – M. Marcos (eds.), Loca Haereticorum. La geografia dell’eresia nel Mediterraneo Tardoantico, SMSR85/1, Morcelliana, Brescia, 2019 (5 essays of choice); • M. Chiriatti, M. Vallejo, Riflessi di porpora: declinazioni di potere femminile tra Roma, Bisanzio e l’Occidente Medievale, Spoleto, CISAM, 2023; • C. Rollinger, N. Viermann (eds.), Female Power and Performance at the Late Roman Court, Liverpool, Liverpool University Press, 2024; • K. Ehrensperger, J. Hoppe, S. Sheinfeld, Constructions of Gender in Religious Tradition in Late Antiquity, Lanham, Fortress Academic, 2024; • Schüssler Fiorenza, E. (ed.), Feminist Biblical Studies in the Twentieth Century, SBL: Atlanta, GA, 2014; • Taylor, J.E., Ramelli, I., Patterns of Women’s Leadership in Early Christianity, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2021; • «Masculum et feminam creavit eos», Gen. 1,27: paradigmi del maschile e femminile nel cristianesimo antico. Atti del XLVII Incontro di studiosi dell’Antichità cristiana (Rome, 9–11 May 2019), Roma, Institutum Patristicum Augustinianum, 2020 (5 essays of choice).

The course is primarily delivered through traditional in-person lectures. The aim of the lectures is to provide students with the conceptual and methodological tools necessary to engage critically with the topics covered in the syllabus. Classes will include presentations of the historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts related to the course material, with particular emphasis on primary texts and major historiographical or critical interpretations. Selected texts will be read and commented on collectively, in order to develop students’ skills in textual analysis, contextualization, and critical thinking. Although the teaching follows a traditional lecture format, time will be allocated for student interaction in the form of questions, brief in-class discussions, and open dialogue. This is intended to foster active participation and a more engaged, reflective learning process.

The course aims to provide students with a critical analysis of Late Antique sources, particularly those related to the various currents of Jesus' followers within the Roman Empire and the historical and cultural context in which they developed. The primary goal is to explore the different representations of the divine sphere, power, gender distinctions, as well as devotional and cultic practices. Special attention will be given to recent historiography and the methodological assumptions required to examine, in the first part of the course, the role of women within the dialectical dynamics of the early Christian communities, the formation of the "Great Church," and its interaction with groups defined as heretical or marginal. Other religious traditions in the Empire, such as polytheism and various forms of Judaism, will also be considered. In the second part of the course, the focus will shift to places and objects of worship, reference societies, and the relationship between doctrinal currents and the lived religiosity of the masses.

A basic background in the history of Christianity and the history of religions is required.

Students are required to study the following: Materials distributed during lectures (for attending students only). T. Canella, Il peso della tolleranza. Cristianesimo antico e alterità, Morcelliana, Collana “Storia”, Brescia 2017; La Memoria e l’Immagine. Linguaggio, testi e cultura visuale nella costruzione delle memorie culturali cristiane tardoantiche (III-VII sec.). Premesse metodologiche, in Rivista di Storia del Cristianesimo 20(2/2023), pp. 227–242 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom); T. Canella, Impero cristiano, semiotica del potere e rappresentazioni del divino. L’elaborazione della memoria di Elena Augusta tra modelli femminili e teologia politica, in T. Canella (ed.), La Memoria e l’Immagine. Linguaggio, testi e cultura visuale nella costruzione delle memorie culturali cristiane tardoantiche (III-VII sec.), Rivista di Storia del Cristianesimo 20(2/2023), pp. 337–368 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom); T. Canella, Segni, sogni e visioni nella letteratura di età costantiniana, in Segni, sogni, materie e scrittura dall’Egitto tardoantico all’Europa carolingia, ed. by Antonella Ghignoli – Maria Boccuzzi – Anna Monte – Nina Sietis, Roma, Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura, 2023, pp. 1–40 (available in open access here: https://www.storiaeletteratura.it/catalogo/segni-sogni-materie-e-scrittu...); T. Canella, La costruzione della memoria di Elena Augusta fra propaganda politico-religiosa ed esigenze devozionali, in Atti del XLVIII Incontro di Studiosi dell'Antichità Cristiana, Istituto Patristico Augustinianum, 2023, pp. 337–348 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom). Non-attending students are required to integrate the syllabus (so that it matches that of attending students, in accordance with Article 40, paragraph 9 of the updated Student Regulations) by selecting two of the following readings: R. Barcellona, A. Mursia, A. Rotondo (eds.), Politeismi. Cristianesimi. Paganesimi. Strumenti e metodi per percorsi diacronici fra religioni, Rubbettino, 2025; K.E. Børresen, E. Prinzivalli (eds.), Le donne nello sguardo degli antichi autori cristiani. L’uso dei testi biblici nella costruzione dei modelli femminili e la riflessione teologica dal I al VII secolo, Trapani, Il Pozzo di Giacobbe, 2013; B. Girotti, G. Marsili, M. E. Pomero (eds.), Il potere dell'immagine e della parola. Elementi distintivi dell'aristocrazia femminile da Roma a Bisanzio, Spoleto, CISAM, 2022; T. Canella (ed.), L’Impero costantiniano e i luoghi sacri, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2016 (5 essays of choice – available at the Department Library); T. Canella – M. Marcos (eds.), Loca Haereticorum. La geografia dell’eresia nel Mediterraneo Tardoantico, SMSR 85/1, Morcelliana, Brescia, 2019 (5 essays of choice); M. Chiriatti, M. Vallejo, Riflessi di porpora: declinazioni di potere femminile tra Roma, Bisanzio e l’Occidente Medievale, Spoleto, CISAM, 2023; C. Rollinger, N. Viermann (eds.), Female Power and Performance at the Late Roman Court, Liverpool, Liverpool University Press, 2024; K. Ehrensperger, J. Hoppe, S. Sheinfeld, Constructions of Gender in Religious Tradition in Late Antiquity, Lanham, Fortress Academic, 2024; Schüssler Fiorenza, E. (ed.), Feminist Biblical Studies in the Twentieth Century, SBL: Atlanta, GA, 2014; Taylor, J.E., Ramelli, I., Patterns of Women’s Leadership in Early Christianity, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2021; «Masculum et feminam creavit eos», Gen. 1,27: paradigmi del maschile e femminile nel cristianesimo antico. Atti del XLVII Incontro di studiosi dell’Antichità cristiana (Rome, 9–11 May 2019), Roma, Institutum Patristicum Augustinianum, 2020 (5 essays of choice).

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended, as active participation in class is essential for a full understanding of the course content, methodological approaches, and critical perspectives introduced throughout the lectures. Students who do not attend regularly are required to study the set of materials listed in the exam syllabus and are encouraged to contact the instructor for any clarifications, bibliographic updates, or specific guidance related to individual preparation.

The oral exam constitutes the final stage of assessment and is designed to evaluate the student’s comprehensive understanding of the course content, their ability to critically analyze texts, their mastery of the disciplinary vocabulary, and their interpretative autonomy. The exam will take place individually and will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes. During the oral examination, students will be asked to: respond to questions on the main topics covered during the course; analyze and comment on primary texts (literary, philosophical, historical, etc.) included in the syllabus; contextualize authors and works within their historical and cultural frameworks; critically discuss the secondary literature assigned; present any thematic or interpretative insights previously agreed upon with the instructor. The final evaluation will be based on the following criteria: Knowledge of course content (30%): solid grasp of the topics, texts, and specialized vocabulary; Critical and interpretative skills (30%): ability to analyze sources, engage with complex issues, and formulate independent judgments; Clarity of expression and language accuracy (20%): coherent articulation of ideas, linguistic correctness, and appropriate use of disciplinary terminology; Ability to make connections (20%): competence in linking authors, texts, contexts, and transversal themes discussed in class. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate an adequate level of preparation across all the above-mentioned areas. Higher marks will be awarded to those who combine sound knowledge with critical insight and interpretative maturity.

1. T. Canella, Il peso della tolleranza. Cristianesimo antico e alterità, Morcelliana, Collana “Storia”, Brescia 2017; 2. La Memoria e l’Immagine. Linguaggio, testi e cultura visuale nella costruzione delle memorie culturali cristiane tardoantiche (III-VII sec.). Premesse metodologiche, in Rivista di Storia del Cristianesimo 20(2/2023), pp. 227–242 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom); 3. T. Canella, Impero cristiano, semiotica del potere e rappresentazioni del divino. L’elaborazione della memoria di Elena Augusta tra modelli femminili e teologia politica, in T. Canella (ed.), La Memoria e l’Immagine. Linguaggio, testi e cultura visuale nella costruzione delle memorie culturali cristiane tardoantiche (III-VII sec.), Rivista di Storia del Cristianesimo 20(2/2023), pp. 337–368 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom); 4. T. Canella, Segni, sogni e visioni nella letteratura di età costantiniana, in Segni, sogni, materie e scrittura dall’Egitto tardoantico all’Europa carolingia, ed. by Antonella Ghignoli – Maria Boccuzzi – Anna Monte – Nina Sietis, Roma, Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura, 2023, pp. 1–40 (available in open access here: https://www.storiaeletteratura.it/catalogo/segni-sogni-materie-e-scrittu...); 5. T. Canella, La costruzione della memoria di Elena Augusta fra propaganda politico-religiosa ed esigenze devozionali, in Atti del XLVIII Incontro di Studiosi dell'Antichità Cristiana, Istituto Patristico Augustinianum, 2023, pp. 337–348 (available at the Department Library and on Classroom). • R. Barcellona, A. Mursia, A. Rotondo (eds.), Politeismi. Cristianesimi. Paganesimi. Strumenti e metodi per percorsi diacronici fra religioni, Rubbettino, 2025; • K.E. Børresen, E. Prinzivalli (eds.), Le donne nello sguardo degli antichi autori cristiani. L’uso dei testi biblici nella costruzione dei modelli femminili e la riflessione teologica dal I al VII secolo, Trapani, Il Pozzo di Giacobbe, 2013; • B. Girotti, G. Marsili, M. E. Pomero (eds.), Il potere dell'immagine e della parola. Elementi distintivi dell'aristocrazia femminile da Roma a Bisanzio, Spoleto, CISAM, 2022; • T. Canella (ed.), L’Impero costantiniano e i luoghi sacri, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2016 (5 essays of choice – available at the Department Library); • T. Canella – M. Marcos (eds.), Loca Haereticorum. La geografia dell’eresia nel Mediterraneo Tardoantico, SMSR85/1, Morcelliana, Brescia, 2019 (5 essays of choice); • M. Chiriatti, M. Vallejo, Riflessi di porpora: declinazioni di potere femminile tra Roma, Bisanzio e l’Occidente Medievale, Spoleto, CISAM, 2023; • C. Rollinger, N. Viermann (eds.), Female Power and Performance at the Late Roman Court, Liverpool, Liverpool University Press, 2024; • K. Ehrensperger, J. Hoppe, S. Sheinfeld, Constructions of Gender in Religious Tradition in Late Antiquity, Lanham, Fortress Academic, 2024; • Schüssler Fiorenza, E. (ed.), Feminist Biblical Studies in the Twentieth Century, SBL: Atlanta, GA, 2014; • Taylor, J.E., Ramelli, I., Patterns of Women’s Leadership in Early Christianity, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2021; • «Masculum et feminam creavit eos», Gen. 1,27: paradigmi del maschile e femminile nel cristianesimo antico. Atti del XLVII Incontro di studiosi dell’Antichità cristiana (Rome, 9–11 May 2019), Roma, Institutum Patristicum Augustinianum, 2020 (5 essays of choice).

The course is primarily delivered through traditional in-person lectures. The aim of the lectures is to provide students with the conceptual and methodological tools necessary to engage critically with the topics covered in the syllabus. Classes will include presentations of the historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts related to the course material, with particular emphasis on primary texts and major historiographical or critical interpretations. Selected texts will be read and commented on collectively, in order to develop students’ skills in textual analysis, contextualization, and critical thinking. Although the teaching follows a traditional lecture format, time will be allocated for student interaction in the form of questions, brief in-class discussions, and open dialogue. This is intended to foster active participation and a more engaged, reflective learning process.

How to create a saint. The long story of Agnes, or rather, a story for many stories. After an introduction on the modern orientations of hagiographic research, the course will retrace the long history of Agnes, a small Roman martyr. The only thing that is known for certain about her is that she really existed. Over time, however, an increasingly complex narrative will stratify around her character, expressed periodically in writings, images, monuments and various works of art. Thus, the character of Agnes becomes a prism that absorbs and refracts the many stories it encounters, bearing witness to ever-changing cultural frameworks. The course will illustrate the theme by drawing on ancient literary and material evidence (archaeological, iconographic, epigraphic, etc.). Visits relevant to the topics covered will be made.

Good language skills, the ability to understand written texts, and critical comparison with sources are required, as well as general knowledge of the indicated historical-religious context.

1. Lecture slides (available on classroom at the end of the course) 2. E. ZOCCA, (Ri-)Scrivere di Santi: sulle tracce di Agnese, in L. Arcari (ed.), Acri Sanctorum Investigatori. Miscellanea di studi in memoria di Gennaro Luongo, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma, pp. 261-284 2. S. BOESCH GAJANO, Il culto dei santi: antiche e nuove consonanze disciplinari, in L. Arcari (ed.), Acri Sanctorum Investigatori. Miscellanea di studi in memoria di Gennaro Luongo, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma, pp. 15-27

Attendance is highly recommended but not mandatory.

The assessment of the student's performance will take into account the clarity of presentation, accuracy and relevance of content, and correctness of expression. The oral examination is intended to ascertain whether the expected skills have been trained to the level required by the learning outcomes and whether the bibliography indicated has been adequately studied and understood.

Lectures, workshops, seminars, visits

How to create a saint. The long story of Agnes, or rather, a story for many stories. After an introduction on the modern orientations of hagiographic research, the course will retrace the long history of Agnes, a small Roman martyr. The only thing that is known for certain about her is that she really existed. Over time, however, an increasingly complex narrative will stratify around her character, expressed periodically in writings, images, monuments and various works of art. Thus, the character of Agnes becomes a prism that absorbs and refracts the many stories it encounters, bearing witness to ever-changing cultural frameworks. The course will illustrate the theme by drawing on ancient literary and material evidence (archaeological, iconographic, epigraphic, etc.). Visits relevant to the topics covered will be made.

Good language skills, the ability to understand written texts, and critical comparison with sources are required, as well as general knowledge of the indicated historical-religious context.

1. Lecture slides (available on classroom at the end of the course) 2. E. ZOCCA, (Ri-)Scrivere di Santi: sulle tracce di Agnese, in L. Arcari (ed.), Acri Sanctorum Investigatori. Miscellanea di studi in memoria di Gennaro Luongo, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma, pp. 261-284 2. S. BOESCH GAJANO, Il culto dei santi: antiche e nuove consonanze disciplinari, in L. Arcari (ed.), Acri Sanctorum Investigatori. Miscellanea di studi in memoria di Gennaro Luongo, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma, pp. 15-27

Attendance is highly recommended but not mandatory.

The assessment of the student's performance will take into account the clarity of presentation, accuracy and relevance of content, and correctness of expression. The oral examination is intended to ascertain whether the expected skills have been trained to the level required by the learning outcomes and whether the bibliography indicated has been adequately studied and understood.

Lectures, workshops, seminars, visits