A general knowledge of the geography of the Mediterranean and surrounding regions, as well as at least a basic knowledge of ancient European history from the 2nd millennium BC to the fall of the Roman Empire would facilitate the course.

The course Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations I focuses on a core area of European civilisation during the last two millennia BC. It offers a complete narrative of the major political, social and religious features that were shaped over a long period of time, from the Bronze Age (c. 3200 BC) to the fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD), and which became defining features of medieval and modern Western society. 
The first part of the course explores the geographical setting of the ancient world, which differs significantly from the modern configuration of the region. Factors such as geography, ecology and human technology that have consistently influenced the definition of this region will be considered, as well as the names, images and myths associated with the area. The course will also focus on relevant phenomena centred on the sea itself, as well as on common patterns and various forms of human interaction across the sea. 
Finally, some key themes such as state formation, hegemonies, sea powers or 'thalassocracies', cultural integration and the reception of relevant cultural features in the ancient Mediterranean world will be considered.

Upon completion of this module, students will have a clear, albeit general, knowledge of the dynamic configuration of the Mediterranean region, as well as the major cultural and power centres that have emerged over the last two millennia BC. They will know the main social, political and cultural processes that took place during this long period. They will be able to read and understand sources such as texts and artefacts that shed light on these processes.

Classes supported by PPT presentations.
The module is delivered in a 4-week block of lectures, both face-to-face and live online, and over a longer period through pre-recorded lessons.

Teaching materials will be provided in two forms:
(i) PPT lectures illustrating the course content (provided to students as PDF files). 
(ii) Texts containing exercises and exam preparation material (provided as PDF files).

This course has a final examination (written/oral). This exam will assess the student's understanding of the material presented in the course and the assigned readings.
Grading:
Grades will be determined according to the following breakdown:
Attendance and coursework: 40%
Final exam: 60%

esonero scritto (in data da definirsi)

23/06/2023

13/07/2023

14/09/2023

24/10/2023

25/01/2024

08/02/2024

28/02/2024

The module will be taught in English.

The course Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations I focuses on ancient cultural history in its broadest sense, with the aim of understanding the beginnings of European civilisation.
It will provide a general overview of the following topics
- Geography, ecology and seafaring as factors shaping the area 
- Forms of human mobility and cultural contact: trade and exchange; movement of people (through migration and colonisation, but also through forced deportation). 
- Common patterns, such as settlement patterns and urbanisation, forms of dependence or power, myths and religion 
- Actors and agencies in the creation, transmission and reception of cultural characteristics in the Mediterranean. 
Some of the key themes of these long-term processes will be considered, including state formation, social roles and elite representation, hegemonies and empowerment, and the powers of the sea or 'thalassocracies'. 
Literary and documentary sources will provide fascinating insights into these cultural features.

Abulafia, D. (2011) The Great Sea: a Human History of the Mediterranean, Cambridge University Press, pp. 15-211; 226-239.

Horden, P. and Kinoshita, S. (eds) (2014), A Companion to Mediterranean History, Wiley Blackwell , pp. 137-200; 203-218; 234-278; 345-358; 378-391; 441-474

Braudel, F. (2001) The Mediterranean in the Ancient World, London: Allen Lane (readings)