Global Humanities

The course aims to provide foundational knowledge of the archaeology of the Levant and the coastal regions of the central and western Mediterranean during the pre-classical period (4th–1st millennium BCE). The course will follow two parallel paths: 1. PRE-CLASSICAL LEVANT (Prof. Daria Montanari) This section offers an introduction to the archaeology of the pre-classical Levant, focusing on specific topics, particularly the Chalcolithic period. It contextualizes and highlights the development of local societies and the characteristics of material culture in relation to preceding and subsequent periods. A part of the course will address the general geographic and chronological framework of the Levant, from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. The Chalcolithic Period will then be examined in detail, exploring its general and specific characteristics, including material culture through ceramic, lithic, and metallurgical analyses, as well as sacred and domestic architecture and social features. 2. PRE-CLASSICAL MEDITERRANEAN (Prof. Federica Spagnoli) This section provides a foundational understanding of the major civilizations that form the complex mosaic of pre-classical Mediterranean cultures. Beginning with the Neolithic period in Cyprus, the course will outline the main characteristics of 2nd-millennium BCE cultures in selected regions of the central and western Mediterranean. Key case studies will be presented to illustrate settlements, sacred structures, burials, and infrastructure in major sites from the following regions: Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Balearic Islands.

No specific knowledge required

LEVANT: texts will be provided in pdf and will be selected from: 1. R. CHASAN - D. ROSENBERG, Getting into shape: The characteristics and significance of Late Chalcolithic basalt vessel decoration in the Southern Levant: Paléorient 45 (2019), pp. 53-68. 2. S. GIBSON - Y.M. ROWAN, The Chalcolithic in the Central Highlands of Palestine: A Reassessment Based on a New Examination of Khirbet es-Sauma‘a: Levant 38 (2006), pp. 85-108. 3. I. GILEAD, The Chalcolithic Period in the Levant: Journal of World Prehistory 2/4 (1988), pp. 397-443. 4. J.M. GOLDEN, Dawn of the Metal Age. Technology and Society During the Levantine Chalcolithic, New York 2009. 5. TH.E. LEVY, Journey to the Copper Age: Archaeology in the Holy Land, San Diego 2007. 6. J. LOVELL, Shifting Subsistence Patterns: some Ideas about the End of the Chalcolithic in the southern Levant: Paléorient 28 (2002), pp. 89-102. 7. I. MILEVSKI, The Transition Late Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age in the Southern Levant: Paléorient 39 (2013), pp. 193-208. 8. Y.M. ROWAN - J. GOLDEN, The Chalcolithic Period of the Southern Levant: A Synthetic Review: Journal of World Prehistory 22/1 (2009), pp. 1-92 MEDITERRANEAN: Texts will be provided in pdf. Specific bibliography will be given during the lessons: 1. C. Sagona, The Archaeology of Malta. From the Neolithic through the Roman Period, New York – Cambridge University Press 2015. 2. D.H. Trump, Malta, Prehistory and Temples, University of Michigan 2002.

In-person teaching; attendance strongly recommended for participation in seminar activities.

Oral examination and discussion. Assessment focuses on knowledge of contents, critical use of sources, and clarity of argument

lLectures and seminars; Google Classroom used for course materials and communication; online integration available in case of temporary impediments.