Cultures and Religions in Late-Antique Egypt

Course objectives

The course aims to develop a critical understanding of the historical and cultural complexity of Late Antique Egypt, in which Christianity and monasticism represent only part of the significant religious experiences. At the same time, it aims to lead students to a competent and informed assessment of complex chronological categories (the 'Late Antique Period', the 'Byzantine Period', the 'Early Middle Ages', 'Coptic Egypt', etc.) that are often taken for granted. Finally, an important aim is to develop an awareness of the importance of using both textual and archaeological sources in the study of Ancient History.

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PAOLA BUZI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
“Late-antique Egypt: language, art, archaeology and literary culture” The students who attend the course will learn Sahidic Coptic language and, at the end of the lessons, will be able to read rather complex inscriptions and stelae. In parallel with the acquisition of linguistic competences – that are fundamental for anyone who wants to study and understand late-antique Egypt – the course will provide elements of Coptic art, archaeology and literary culture. The course is suitable for those who have linguistic interests and wish to deepen the study of the Egyptian language, at all stages, and to those who want to develop skills in the history of late-antique art and archaeology, and finally to those who are interested in Christianity of the origins, including maical texts.
Prerequisites
No pre-requisites are necessary.
Books
Programme: 1) P. Buzi, La Chiesa copta. L’Egitto e la Nubia, Bologna 2014. 2) M. Capuani, Egitto copto, Milano 1999. 3) handouts provided during the course and uploaded in Google classroom
Frequency
Non mandatory.
Exam mode
Oral proof; first question on a topic selected by the student. The exam lasts approximately 20 minutes. For students participating in international exchange programmes, another language (English, French, German or Spanish) may be used.
Bibliography
- A. Camplani, "Egitto cristiano. Aspetti e problemi in età tardo-antica", Roma 1997. - R. Bagnall, "Egypt from Alexander to the Copts: An Archaeological and Historical Guide", New York 2004.
Lesson mode
Frontal lessons + audio-video resources; continuous interaction with students. Handhouts and presentations of the lessons will be uploaded in Google Classroom.
  • Lesson code10616656
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseCultures and Religions
  • CurriculumCurriculum unico
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDL-OR/02
  • CFU6