HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST II

The class of "History of the Ancient Near East II" is framed into both the History, and the Humanities curricula ("Corso di Laurea Triennale in Storia" and "Corso di Laurea Triennale in Lettere"). Its main goal is to provide an in-depth analysis of a monographic subject of study concerning institutions and cultural aspects of the ancient Near Eastern civilizations.

At the end of the course, students will have acquired a 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. They will also be informed about historiography, bibliography and available digital resources concerning ancient Mesopotamia and, more in general, ancient Near Eastern studies
During the course, students are also expected to:
a) participate with their colleagues in open discussions about historical issues in order to consolidate their critical capacities;
b) learn to collect, analyse and organize the documentation in view of a specific research project;
c) raise questions regarding the nature and reliability of the sources;
D) acquire the ability to write a short essay or exercise on an agreed subject and to present their results to their colleagues.

No specific prerequisit is required; a basic knowledge of the History of Ancient Near East is necessary and can be acquired through a few readings that will be suggested at the beginning of classes.

The course focuses on "Administration, decision making and political communication in the Old Babylonian period (1800-1700 BC)"

Bibliografia di riferimento:
J.-M. Durand, Documents épistolaires du palais de Mari, tome I-III (Littératures Anciennes du Proche-Orient 16,17; 18), Paris: Les Éditions du Cerf, 1997-1999.
W. Heimpel, Letters to the King of Mari: A New Translation, with Historical Introduction, Notes, and Commentary, Eisenbrauns 2003
J. Sasson, From the Mari Archives: An Anthology of Old Babylonian Letters, Eisenbrauns, 2017

Oral presentation on a topic assigned in class. For those students who cannot attend classes, alternative readings will be assigned upon request.

Public lectures; sources and materials will be made availbale to the students. Analysis and discussion in class of selected cources. Exploration of on-line resources

Italian

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Cities, infrastructure and social capital" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development