European Later Prehistory

The course aims to provide a broad framework of knowledge relating to the European Bronze Age Societies. Tje Prehistoric times were divided according to a technological criterion, and therefore we have a Stone Age (Paleolithic and Neolithic) and a Metal Age (Copper, Bronze and Iron Age). The last two periods constitute the field of interest of the so-called Later Prehistory (2nd and 1st millennium BC).
The European Bronze Age is a unique stage for its cultural richness and variety, for the high technological level achieved in metalworking, for the increase in exchanging of raw materials and prestige goods by long-distance relationships. It should be noted that this features took place in a period characterized by a fast socio-economic development of the communities, which nevertheless didn't reached complex organisational forms as the state or the properly urban structure.
The course, after providing a general overview of research history, the methodology, and the archaeological sources, will present a survey of European Bronze Age through the study of several significant themes: environment, settlement, economy, production, exchanges, burials, cult, identity and social organization. The archaeological data will be considered in the perspective of social, ideological and cultural implications as well: metalwork will be emphatized, for the weapons and prestige goods constitute a source for the interpretation of social articulation, power and personal primacy. will deepen the sphere.
If possible, additional activities aimed at a more direct knowledge of finds and material culture are planned (visits to museum collections).
Pratically, the aim is to achieve the capacity to recognize and interpretate the sources, that in addition to the archeological record from inhabited, funerary and cultural sites, include natural remnants as well, usefull to recostruct the palaeo-environment and examine the man - environment relationship.

Knowledge of archeological sources, with particular regard to material culture and productions, settlement pattern, funerary documentation, economy and exchanges.
Knowledge of literature and interpretations that have most significantly contributed to the understanding of the contexts.
Skills in use archeological sources in order to read and interpret the ideological aspects and the social and economic structures. Assessment skills to evaluate open problems and possible divergent opinions.