Archaeological Sciences

Outline of Ancient Iranian Civilization The course aims at drawing an historical outline of the Iranian world from the arrival of the Indo-Iranian people (II millennium BCE) up to the Islamic conquest (VII century CE). The powerful and wealthy kingdoms established by the most relevant Iranian dynasties of the Pre-Islamic period (Achaemenids, Arsacids and Sasanians) will be the main objects of our analysis. These dynasties indeed fostered the development of a strong cultural identity, while transcending the natural boundaries of the Iranian Plateau they had a deep influence over the neighbouring civilizations, triggering cross-cultural phenomena. The course will thus underline, through both a diachronic and a comparative perspective, those political trends as well as social and cultural patterns that have shaped the Iranian history and that are key for the comprehension of such a long and articulated period. More specifically, particular attention will be given to the economic and administrative history, development of ideas, royal and political ideology in its various forms of representation; these topics will provide a consistent theme through which to trace historical events, the development of religious thought as well as the cultural influence that Iran exerted throughout the ages.

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Literature: Wiesehöfer, J. (2003), La Persia antica, Il Mulino, Bologna. Piras, A. (2007), Medi e Persiani: dall’Iran al Mar Egeo. In: A. Barbero, Storia d’Europa e del Mediterraneo II.III Salerno Editrice, Roma, pp.305-333. Cereti, C. G. (2009). Il mondo iranico dai parti ai sasanidi. In: A. Barbero,Storia d’Europa e del Mediterraneo III.VI Salerno Editrice, Roma, pp. 223- 262. Cereti, C.G (2010), L'Impero Sasanide. In: A. Barbero, Storia d'Europa e del Mediterraneo III.VII. Salerno Editrice, Roma, pp. 289- 349. Students not attending classes regularly should add: Bausani A. (1959), Persia religiosa, Il Saggiatore, Milano, new edition Giordano, Cosenza 1998, (pp. 1-93). Bausani, A. (1962), I Persiani, Sansoni, Firenze, (pp.7-91 up to the Islamic conquest).

Teaching activities foresee lessons, discussions, seminars and other activities. The history of pre-Islamic Iran will be presented with particular attention for the following periods: 1) Elam in ist regional context 2) The Achaemenid Empire 3) Alexander and the Seleucids 4) The Arsacid dynasty 5) The Sassanian Empire Timetable LT “STORIA DELLE CIVILTA' DELL'IRAN ANTICO COD. 1044227” I sem. OBBL. AULA D Tuesday 15-17, Wednesday and Thursday 11-13. Lessons start on Tuesday, October 6th 2020.

Students may chose to follow in class lessons or agree with the teacher on an individual program.

The student will present a topic of his/her choice, followed by questions by the teacher. Should s/he opt for a written examination, the student will prepare a paper of 20 pages that s\he will then discuss with the teacher

Teaching activities foresee lessons, discussions, seminars and other activities. The history of pre-Islamic Iran will be presented with particular attention for the following periods: 1) Elam in ist regional context 2) The Achaemenid Empire 3) Alexander and the Seleucids 4) The Arsacid dynasty 5) The Sassanian Empire Timetable LT “STORIA DELLE CIVILTA' DELL'IRAN ANTICO COD. 1044227” I sem. OBBL. AULA D Tuesday 15-17, Wednesday and Thursday 11-13. Lessons start on Tuesday, October 6th 2020.