Aegean Archaeology

Teacher(s)

Driessen Jan;

Language

English
> French-friendly

Prerequisites

LARKE1555 ou LARKE1552

Main themes

The course considers in-depth questions and specific problems of interpretation associated with the reconstruction of social and political connections on the basis of archaeological data from Minoan Crete (ca. 2000-1450 BC) or Mycenaean Greece (ca. 1700-1200 BC) and the input of art and material culture for such a reconstruction. Specific attention is given to the impact of crises, natural disasters and to humans-environment relationships, as well as, in the case of the Mycenaean civilization, to the contribution of Linear B texts for this reconstruction.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Advanced training for archaeologists and historians interested in the prehellenic and Greek Aegean. The course wants to develop and critical mind and methods of analysis of material culture and shows how theoretical and anthropological methods can successfully be used in archaeological interpretation. The course also provides the student the possibility to use sound criticism and interpretative methods on the monuments and artefacts of Aegean archaeology.

Content

The course will alternate between two themes: either the theme of "The function of public buildings in Minoan Crete" or the theme of the emergence and development of the Mycenaean palatial civilization (2000-1100 BC). We will primarily interrogate the archaeological data that inform on the existence of a vertical social and horizontal differentiation but also on interregional and regional relations. The theme also allows to treat Minoan art and religion and to touch the issue of the Santorini eruption, its chronology, its effects on neighboring societies, as well as the strategies implemented to weaken its impact. For the second theme, we will question the archaeological data of the different regions (mainland, Cycladic islands, Cyprus) that witness the birth of the Mycenaean palatial system, their similarities and differences, also using the data that can be drawn from the Linear B tablets. The theme also allows to approach the destruction of the Mycenaean palaces and the issue of the crisis years of the 12th century BC (including the question of the Sea Peoples).

Teaching methods

Mostly ex-cathedra teaching in English with visual aid by PowerPoint. The course is complemented by a very dense visual illustration and documentation via academia.edu is provided. Occasional intervention by postdocs and invited lecturers (in English).

Evaluation methods

No end of term exams, but students are expected to participate actively and continuously during the course; in addition, students will be required to prepare and present a critical analysis of a specific topic in class. The evaluation is based on the scientific quality of the written text, the achievements shown (presentation, methodological approach, reasoning, bibliography, etc.) as well as the didactical character of the presentation (expression, clarity, documentation (PPT), references, mastering of the topic, etc.).The presentation equals 60% of the points, the written work 30% and the involvement of the student in the discussions 10 %; Format: 8 to 10 pages (not including references or illustrations).

Bibliography

pour la partie minoenne (obligatoire) :

• J. Driessen, I. Schoep, R. Laffineur (éds), Monuments of Minos. Rethinking the Minoan Palaces (Aegaeum 23), Liège & Austin, 2002.
  Le volume est mis à la disposition gratuite des étudiants.

Pour la partie mycénienne :

• B. E. Burns, Mycenaean Greece, Mediterranean Commerce, and the Formation of Identity, Cambridge University Press, 2010.
• J. Chadwick, The Mycenaean World, Cambridge University Press, 1976.
• E. French, Mycenae: Agamemnon's Capital, 2002.
• T.F. Tartaron, Maritime Networks in the Mycenaean World, Cambridge University Press, 2013.

Faculty or entity

EHAC