Analysis and Interpretation: Historical and Methodological Issues

Recommended Prerequisites

General knowledge in architecture of archaeology.

Teaching Methods

Illustrated presentation, discussion, evaluation of visual material, critical review of literature. A short version of all lectures is going to be filmed, transcribed and uploaded to the platform along its relevant syllabus and bibliography. The full version of the lecture is going to be presented and discussed face to face in the classroom and is going to be followed by a critical review of literature. Additionally on-site teaching in archaeological sites will take place by archaeologists of the associate members and other institutions responsible for each site.

Learning Outcomes

This  Curricular unit has for main outcome to give theoretical information on interpretation and analysis of archaeological sites through the introduction of  record, documentation and analysis tools. These outcomes develop the following skills:

a) Appreciation of, and ability to apply, theories and methods of archaeological site analysis, recording and documentation.

b) Knowledge of the history and archaeology of Athens, its archaeological sites and historical monuments.

c) Familiarity with current archaeological research in Athens.

d) The course allows to develop skills on interpretationa of archaeological sites and on identifying the cultural models underlying archaeological activities.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The purpose of this Unit is twofold: first, to provide students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical skills for analysing, documenting and interpreting urban archaeological sites; and second, to familiarize them with the archaeology of Athens and the archaeological sites that will provide the subjects of their design projects. After a general introduction to the history of urbanism and its significance in human society, some contemporary theories and methods  of mapping i.e. reading and interpreting the urban tissue are going to be presented. Then, a series of lectures on the Akropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Kerameikos and elsewhere will deal with the organization of public, domestic, religious and funerary space in Athens from the Prehistoric to the Medieval period. Distinguished scholars active in the archaeological research of Athens will provide an overview of recent fieldwork triggered by the construction of the metropolitan subway.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Short essay: 100.0%

Bibliography

Camp, J. M. (2004). The Archaeology of Athens. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

Greco, E. et al. (2010-). Topografia di Atene: Sviluppo urbano e monumenti dalle origini al III secolo d.C., vols. 1-8. Athens: Scuola archeologica italiana.

Iakovidis, S. E. (2006). The Mycenaean Acropolis of Athens. Athens: Archaeological Society.

Karidis, D. N. (2014). Athens from 1456 to 1920: The Town under the Ottoman Rule and the 19th century Capital City. Oxford: Archaeopress.

Korres, M., Bouras, Ch., eds. (2003). Athens: From the Classical Period to the Present Day. New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press.

Miles, M. M., ed. (2015). Autopsy in Athens: Recent Archaeological Research on Athens and Attica. Oxford: Oxbow Books.

Stampolidis, N., Parlama, L., eds. (2001), Athens: The City Beneath the City: Antiquities from the Metropolitan Railway Excavations. Athens: Harry N. Abrams.

Tobin, J. L. (1997). Herodes Attikos and the city of Athens. Amsterdam: Brill.