ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE SILK ROAD

The course focuses on the archaeology, fine arts and material culture of the ancient 'Silk Road' regions between 500 BCE and 1000 CE. The course aims to introduce students to the issues of archaeology, fine arts and material culture from Afghanistan to South and Central Asia. In particular, the focus will be on the period between the formation of the polities of the so-called 'Hellenistic Far East', up to the later political and economic control systems (Saka and Kushan phases) in the period between c. 300 BC and 350 BC. The geographical focus is on the Gandhara region (modern Pakistan and Afghanistan).
The study area specifically includes Afghanistan and other regions critical for their cultural heritage. For this reason, the course will introduce the main archaeological areas and sites, also addressing the issues of 'archaeological and monumental heritage' in the area, the question of 'archaeological contexts', presenting the history of studies and methodologies, and case studies.

At the end of this course, students should have acquired a good understanding of the history and historical geography of the region, a fair knowledge of the main sites and excavations, as well as the main research topics with a focus on Gandharan/Silk Road art and archaeology, a good understanding of the topics discussed and the related methodologies, and, in particular, the following points: 1. Knowledge and critical understanding of the main topics concerning the cultural history of the study area; 2. Correct evaluation of the historical-artistic importance of an artefact, a site or an archaeological area; 3. Formation of an autonomous idea, reasoned and free from preconceived theories, on the characterisations and transformations of the cultural territory, as well as on the characterisations and transformations of the cultural heritage of a civilisation; 4. Ability to autonomously interpret the main sources, with particular reference to Gandharan/Silk Road art and archaeology 5. Autonomous capacity to interpret the main sources, written (in translation) and iconographic, in the field of cultural heritage; 6. Capacity to autonomously find and consult resources and basic tools for learning and updating knowledge and skills in the field of cultural heritage. 7. Ability to develop questions in a clear and articulate manner in order to deepen, complete and integrate the knowledge and skills learnt. 8. Ability to express with logical rigour in written and/or oral form the knowledge and skills learnt in the course of study.

This is not necessary. However, a basic knowledge of ancient history, geography and ancient art history is preferable. Supplementary materials and tutoring may be provided for students who require specific help in this regard.

Urban archaeology
Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries and cities
The role of religious communities
Art, elites and donation
Architecture and technology
Import and exchange of technical knowledge
Behind the elites: the archaeology of subalterns
Economy and production
Political control systems
Trade and communication
Global factors: climate change

1a) Ciro Lo Muzio, Archeologia dell’Asia Centrale preislamica. Mondadori Università, Milano, 2017 (ISBN: 9788861844124): selected chapters.
1) Luca M. Olivieri. The archaeology of Gandhara. Oxford Research Encyclopedia, Anthropology, 2022.
2) Luca M. Olivieri, Stoneyards and Artists in Gandhara. The Buddhist Stupa of Saidu Sharif I, Swat (c. 50 CE) https://edizionicafoscari.unive.it/it/edizioni4/libri/978-88-6969-577-3/ : selected chapters
3) L.M. Olivieri, Digging up. Fieldwork guidelines for archaeology students. Sang-e-Meel, Lahore 2014 [available as a free resource]: selected chapters.
4) P. Newson and R. Young (ed.) Post-Conflict Archaeology and Cultural. Rebuilding Knowledge, Memory and Community from War-Damaged Material Culture. Routledge, New York, 2017: Chapter 13.
5) S. Withfield, Silk Roads: Peoples, Cultures, Landscapes. Thames and Hudson, London 2019: selected chapters.

The last part of every class will be devoted to actively discuss the main topics so to test the understanding of the subject-matter.
Individual material cataloguing and study exercises will be conducted on materials uploaded on the ICherish teaching platform.
Before the exam, the candidate will present a short (max. 5000 words in English) research essay on a topic selected by the candidate that references and cites the texts we have studied.

Frontal classes with images and texts illustrated with Power Points. The latter will be made available to the students before the end of the course on the University platform moodle.
The last part of every class will be devoted to actively discuss the main topics.
Individual material cataloguing and study exercises will be conducted on materials uploaded on the ICherish teaching platform.
A short written summary will be requested every 4 lessons.

English

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development