Archaeology of Italy and the Roman Provinces [ LARKO2370 ]

Pdf of Course and bibliography.

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The course discusses problematic issues and specific problems of interpretation in relation with use of archaeological sources for the reconstruction of social and political relations of Rome, since its fundation (8th century BC) up to the High Middle Age, Italy and Roman provinces. Especially considered are elements of urbanism, architecture and construction techniques in order to define a scheme of the Roman way of life throughout the ages.

Advanced course for archaeologists specializing in Roman archaeology whether of Italy, the centre of power, or of the provinces of the Empire. The aim is to develop a critical sense and apply methods of analysis of art (painting, sculpture and architecture) and material culture of this millennium long civilization reluctant of all standardized analytical approach. Use of theoretical and anthropological concepts in archaeological interpretation as well of literary and epigraphical sources of Latin Antiquity.

Written examination.

A combination of ex-cathedra lessons by the teacher or invited speakers and seminars. The sessions are prepared by the students on the basis of one or more articles of which the list is given at the beginning of the year. The students are also invited to participate actively in certain sessions which may take the forms of seminars prepared by the students. Possibility to organize a study tour abroad  with presentations by students and introduction to field work.

The treatment of the archaeological history and its consequences on the transformation of Rome during the centuries between the "Constantin's Renaissance" and the Gothic war (535-553 AD) has been for years the subject of numerous , detailed studies demonstrating  this period was not an age of structural or institutional decline. About the area most densely monumentalised, the Roman Forum, it has rightly spoken a "peaceful surrender" and insisted on the good condition in which were still many imperial buildings. In urban contexts the use forms of long attendance does not appear to have been altered by the conversion or the inclusion of dedicated spaces to the Christian cult.

The course aims primarily to analyse the Roman Forum, the areas in its immediate vicinity and the suburbium. We will attempt a synthesis of archaeological context transformation, or rather its "pseudomorphosis" motioning how the urban fabric of Rome was essentially quite stable during this historical phase. Rome has certainly become the oversized head of a reduced and impoverished political body. However, it did not break its cultural links with its recent past and the world Mediterranean.'

Bibliography provided by the teacher.

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