Aims

Detailed knowledge and critique of the civilization, archaeology, art and language of the Etruscans, and of their environment (Italic cultures), depending on the subjects, which vary each year.

Main themes

1) The proto-history of Italy : genesis of the people and cultures before the Romanization of the first century B.C., including the issue of the origins of the Etruscans. Archaeology and art history of the Etruscans and Italic populations (even years)
2) Etruscan epigraphy and language ; society, institutions and religion of the Etruscans and Italic populations (odd years).

Content and teaching methods

Content : 1) The proto-history of Italy : genesis of the people and cultures before the Romanization of the first century B.C., including the issue of the origins of the Etruscans. The Etruscans and Italic populations : geographic background and history ; archaeology and art - topography of the sites of reference, settlements, sanctuary, necropolises, painting, sculpture, minor arts (2000-2001).
Etruscan epigraphy and language ; social organization, institutions and religion of the Etruscans and Italic populations, with particular reference to the results of recent research in Samnium and Picenum (2001-2002).

Methods : Active method demanding critical judgement from the student when exposed to ancient sources -literary, epigraphic and archaeological - and to the most recent orientations of modern research. The exercises are devoted to a team working out in detail a topic chosen for its methodological interest and topicality. Illustrated lectures. Research documents for the students (bibliography, graphic materials, synopsis of the course, and colour slides).

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

The subject of the course can be spread over two or more years, which allows us to give each field of research (in particular, epigraphy and language) the emphasis it requires.
However, one single year (30 hrs) constitutes a valid option course.

Oral examination.

Research documents for the students (synopsis of the course with bibliography, and graphic materials ; colour slides). The student who wishes to work more on the matter can take the exercises that will be available for her/him (15 hrs).

Other credits in programs