Cultures and Religions

This course will primarily examine the ancient religions of the Near East, with a specific concentration on Mesopotamia during the 3rd to 1st millennium BC. The initial portion of the lectures will serve to provide a contextual framework for the many religions of the ancient Near East, elucidating their historical progression and emphasising the interactions and interchanges between the diverse cultures in the region. Additionally, the course aims to examine the rediscovery of the Near East and the impact of Biblical archaeology on the perception of Levantine cultures in the Western world. The monographic part of the course, on the other hand, will focus on the study of the relationship between myth and ritual in Mesopotamia. This will be done by examining the 'historiolae', i.e. the mythical 'little stories' inserted at the opening of a ritual. It will be discussed how myth is able to give efficacy to the ritual act and what are the symbolic, social and linguistic strategies through which a narrative act can influence the ritual pragmatic sphere.

No prerequisites are required. All topics will be contextualized within their historical period, making them accessible even to those who have never taken an exam in Ancient Near Eastern History. Mythical and ritual texts will be provided both in the original language and in Italian translation.

For attending students, participation in 70% of the lectures is required. English Classes will begin on October 7, 2025, according to the following schedule: Tuesday 4–6 pm (Faculty Meeting Room, ground floor) Thursday 4–6 pm (Faculty Meeting Room, ground floor)

The evaluation will take place through an oral test. The student will be asked to demonstrate full understanding of the topics covered in class. The professor will ask questions on all examination texts and materials shared and discussed in class.

Lectures will be conducted exclusively face-to-face. Active participation of the students is also required. Students are expected to submit comments and reflections on the texts discussed in class.

This course will primarily examine the ancient religions of the Near East, with a specific concentration on Mesopotamia during the 3rd to 1st millennium BC. The initial portion of the lectures will serve to provide a contextual framework for the many religions of the ancient Near East, elucidating their historical progression and emphasising the interactions and interchanges between the diverse cultures in the region. Additionally, the course aims to examine the rediscovery of the Near East and the impact of Biblical archaeology on the perception of Levantine cultures in the Western world. The monographic part of the course, on the other hand, will focus on the study of the relationship between myth and ritual in Mesopotamia. This will be done by examining the 'historiolae', i.e. the mythical 'little stories' inserted at the opening of a ritual. It will be discussed how myth is able to give efficacy to the ritual act and what are the symbolic, social and linguistic strategies through which a narrative act can influence the ritual pragmatic sphere.

No prerequisites are required. All topics will be contextualized within their historical period, making them accessible even to those who have never taken an exam in Ancient Near Eastern History. Mythical and ritual texts will be provided both in the original language and in Italian translation.

For attending students, participation in 70% of the lectures is required. English Classes will begin on October 7, 2025, according to the following schedule: Tuesday 4–6 pm (Faculty Meeting Room, ground floor) Thursday 4–6 pm (Faculty Meeting Room, ground floor)

The evaluation will take place through an oral test. The student will be asked to demonstrate full understanding of the topics covered in class. The professor will ask questions on all examination texts and materials shared and discussed in class.

Lectures will be conducted exclusively face-to-face. Active participation of the students is also required. Students are expected to submit comments and reflections on the texts discussed in class.