Archaeology of the Silk Road

The course focuses on the archaeology, fine arts and material culture of the ancient 'Silk Road' regions. The course aims to introduce students to the issues of archaeology, fine arts, and material culture from Afghanistan to South and Central Asia. In particular, the focus will be on the period between the formation of the polities of the so-called 'Hellenistic Far East', up to the later political and economic control systems (Saka and Kushan phases) in the period between c. 300 BC and 350 BC. The geographical focus is on the Gandhara region (modern Pakistan and Afghanistan).
The study area specifically includes Afghanistan and other regions critical for their cultural heritage. For this reason, the course will introduce the main archaeological areas and sites, also addressing the issues of 'archaeological and monumental heritage' in the area, the question of 'archaeological contexts', presenting the history of studies and methodologies, and case studies.

1.Knowledge and understanding: At the end of this course, students should have acquired a good understanding of the history and historical geography of the region, a fair knowledge of the main sites and excavations, as well as the main research topics with a focus on Gandharian art and archaeology, a good understanding of the topics discussed and the related methodologies, and, in particular, the following points: 1. Knowledge and critical understanding of the main topics concerning the cultural history of the study area.
2.Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Correct evaluation of the historical-artistic importance of an artefact, a site or an archaeological area.
3.Making judgments: Formation of an autonomous idea, reasoned and free from preconceived theories, on the characterisations and transformations of the cultural territory, as well as on the characterisations and transformations of the cultural heritage of a civilisation.
4.Communication skills: Ability to autonomously interpret the main sources, with particular reference to Gandharian art and archaeology.
5.Learning skills: Autonomous capacity to interpret the main sources, written (in translation) and iconographic, in the field of cultural heritage; 6. Capacity to autonomously find and consult resources and basic tools for learning and updating knowledge and skills in the field of cultural heritage. 7. Ability to develop questions in a clear and articulate manner in order to deepen, complete and integrate the knowledge and skills learnt. 8. Ability to express with logical rigour in written and/or oral form the knowledge and skills learnt in the course of study.