Intellectual History of the Ancient Near East: the Origin of Accounting Systems in Comparative Perspective

This course surveys the origin of writing and accounting in antiquity, with special focus on the cuneiform writing system, first attested in Mesopotamia around 3300 BCE. Taking a comparative perspective, the earliest, original systems from ancient Egypt, China, and Mesoamerica will also be explored, to achieve a better understanding of how humans first developed administration and made language visible. Topics will include the definition of writing, the historical context in which it emerged, its impact on society, administration, and intellectual history, as well as how the writing technology developed as a function of time, space, and culture, eventually reaching us. Further, we will discuss major decipherments of ancient writing systems, as well as contemporary methodologies for dealing with yet undeciphered scripts from antiquity.

1.Knowledge and understanding: Basic knowledge of the historical sources pertaining to the Ancient Near East, along with an up-to-date methodology for addressing a specific subject in this field of study. Knowledge and understanding of early civilizations and writing systems in a comparative perspective. Knowledge of the current bibliography and available digital resources.
2.Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to critically use the main bibliographical tools. Understanding of the origin and development of writing systems also in a comparative perspective. Ability to write a short essay or exercise on an agreed subject using the appropriate terminology.
3.Making judgments: Ability to raise questions regarding the nature and reliability of the sources. Express an aware knowledge of the meaning and value of origin of accounting systems also in relation with the macro-area of "Cities, infrastructure and social capital" in accordance with the development goals inspired by the UN 2030 agenda.
4.Communication skills: Ability to participate in open discussions about historical issues in order to consolidate individual skills and critical capacities. Ability to present the results of an individual research carried out on a subject to colleagues
5.Learning skills: Ability to collect, analyse and organize documents in view of a small independent research project.