Oriental languages and civilizations

An introduction to Western Central Asia archaeology, from the Bronze Age to the 8th century CE. The course will provide an overview of archaeological evidence and the forms of artistic expression of Western Central Asia from the protohistory to the Arab conquest (8th-9th century). Topics: The Bronze Age: the "Oxus civilization" and Andronovo culture The Iron Age The Achaemenid Period . Hellenism in Bactria: Ai Khanum and further archaeological evidence of the Greek period. Takht-i Sangin: the temple of the Oxus. The necropolis of Tillia Tepe. Towns, monuments and arts of the Kushan period. The Buddhist settlements of the Termez oasis: Fayaz Tepe and Kara Tepe. The "Temple of the Dioscuri" at Dilberjin (Afghanistan). Towns and castles of ancient Chorasmia. The early Middle Ages. The cities of Sogdiana: Samarkand (Afrasiab), Penjikent, Varakhsha and other sites. Sogdian painting: technique, style, iconographic repertoire. The art of Tokharestan in the early Middle Ages.

C. Lo Muzio, Archeologia dell'Asia Centrale preislamica, Mondadori Università 2017, Introduction and chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 (pp. 78-93), 5, 6 (pp. 150-155), 7, 8.

The exam consists of questions concerning the topics covered in the course: the description of an artistic phenomenon, an archaeological site, a specific class of archaeological finds, or any other theme included in the programme. In addition to the knowledge of the specific topic and to the ability to express himself/herself properly, the student must demonstrate to have understood the relationship linking the archaeological evidence with the historical, cultural and/or religious context it belongs to.

The course will take place in one semester and will consist of frontal lessons, with the constant support of photographic material (maps, plans, detailed pictures of monuments and artworks).