Late Antique Archaeology

The course aims to introduce students to late antique archaeology, with specific focus on the research conducted in the pars orientalis of the Empire. After a brief historical overview and an introduction to the history of studies, the course will deal with some of the most debated topics in the scientific literature including the transformation of cities from the 3rd to the 6th centuries CE, the development of new types of rural settlements, the reorganization of border defense, long-distance trade and the impact of Christianity. In the academic year 2024/2025 a part of the course will be dedicated to the capitals and imperial palaces in the Tetrarchic age - with particular reference to Gamzigrad, Izmit, Milan, Split, Sremska Mitrovica, Thessalonica, and Trier.

Knowledge: the course aims to offer students a basic knowledge of late antique archeology and the history of studies, as well as the main literature dedicated to the topics covered in class.

Skills: The course aims to enable participants to acquire the necessary tools to critically interpret archaeological data and the ability to effectively summarize complex issues.