Materials and Techniques of Antiquity, Archeometrics and Archaeology of Buildings

Teacher(s)

Leroy Inès (compensates Verslype Laurent); Liard Florence (compensates Vanden Broeck-Parant Jean); Vanden Broeck-Parant Jean; Verslype Laurent;

Language

French
> English-friendly

Prerequisites

/

Main themes

This course introduces students to the raw materials used in material and artistic production in ancient times and to the technological processes used to create them. Use is made of archaeological sources (relics, objects, tools and iconography) and ancient writers. The course is intended to help students understand the terminology used in Antiquity and the working environment of its artists and artisans. Emphasis is also placed on the social repercussions of new technologies on the societies that created them. Students are also taught the basics of Archaeometry and of building archaeology.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	The aim of this course is to teach students the fundamentals of the practical techniques used in Antiquity on different raw materials such as stone, clay and metal and also about the tools and processes that were used to change the original appearance of these raw materials. The course also raises the issue of the physical effects of technology on cultures and societies, examining technology as social production. Students are also taught the basics of Archaeometry and of building archaeology.

Content

In this course students are trained to acquire the ability to identify the standard materials, as well as the tools and sequence of actions that led from raw material to the finish product. In this respect, the course examines archaeological remains as well as major works of art of ancient Mediterranean civilizations. The main focus is on the “chaîne opératoire”. In this respect, standard materials such as stone, clay, metal and other materials (perishable or not) are discussed in different sections of the course. The course also introduces the students to the basic tenets of Archaeological Theory, with a focus on New Archaeology, and French as well as anglophone traditions of Cultural Anthropology. It discusses the contribution of Archaeometry to the study of ancient materials, i.e. the application of concepts and methods borrowed from exact sciences to archaeological remains (in particular Natural and Earth Sciences and characterization and dating techniques). In this introduction to Archeometry, an empiric approach is encouraged throughout the discussion of the various examples relevant to the different sections of the course (i.e. main materials). Special attention is also stressed on the technological analysis of archaeological building structures and the methods, concepts and regulations that frame the conservation and restauration of these structures from the past. Several field trips, museum and laboratory visits are organized in the frame of the course, on a yearly basis; attendance is mandatory and is taken into account in the final assessment for the course.

Teaching methods

In-person course with PowerPoint presentation, field trips and museum visits.

Evaluation methods

Oral exam during the exam session
Reading assessments and review of scientific activities to be handled at specific times of the year.

Online resources

Dedicated page on the Moodle platform. 

Bibliography

Liste bibliographique et abondants documents iconographiques fournis par les enseignants sur la plate-forme Moodle.

Faculty or entity

EHAC