Philology, literatures and history of the ancient world

LUCIA MORI

Interest for the subject and good English knowledge

History of the ancient Near East: methods, sources, questions
The module aims to present the original characters of the Ancient Near East in the historical period, the Urban Revolution in the late fourth millennium BC the Achaemenid Persian conquest of Babylon in the sixth century. BC, introducing students to the main issues of the discipline: diversity and differences of accessible sources, both archaeological and written, chronological period long and complex for a geographical area extended and extremely diverse.
To account for the complexity of the subject, alongside general lessons will be held seminars on specific topics aimed at enriching the general theme of the course. In particular, of workshops dedicated to the concept of “empire” and imperialism in the ancient Near east will be held.

M. van de Mieroop, A History of the Ancient Near East (ca. 3000-323 BC), Blackwell 2015.
Further bibliography will be suggested during the course.

M. Liverani, Antico Oriente. Storia, società, economia, Laterza, Bari/Roma 2011.
Z. Bahrani, M. van de Mieroop (eds.) Myth and Politics in Ancient Near Eastern Historiography. Ithaca 2004.

Oral lections compatible with the Covid emergency

Attendance at the lessons is strongly recommended. The subject is often new to students and the course is also structured to help students navigate totally new topics.

For attending students there will be the possibility of carrying out a written exemption at the end of the course, which may represent part of the exam. However, all students will have to take an oral exam on the topics of the course.