HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA

The course HISTORY OF ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA [FM0674] is part of two curricula, each structured into two tracks.

1) Archaeology Curriculum

a) For the track "Western Asia and Eastern Mediterranean" [FMR2-2525], the course is among the core disciplines. It is combined with the following 6 CFU courses to form a single 12 CFU (6+6) exam:

- CULTURES OF AFRICA AND WESTERN ASIA [FM0672]: composed of HISTORY OF ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA (6 CFU) + CULTURE OF ANCIENT EGYPT (6 CFU);
- HISTORY AND ANTHROPOLOGY OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST [FM0671]: composed of HISTORY OF ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA (6 CFU) + ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY OF IMAGES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN EAST SP (6 CFU);
- HISTORY AND LITERATURES OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST [FM0670]: composed of HISTORY OF ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA (6 CFU) + LITERATURES OF ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA (6 CFU).

b) For the track "Europe and the Mediterranean" [FMR2-2525], the course is among the core disciplines (as a 6 CFU exam).

2) Curriculum in Philology, Literatures, and Ancient History

a) For the "Philological-Literary" track [FMR2-2525], the course is among the student's elective courses (as a 6 CFU exam).

b) For the "Historical" track [FMR2-2525], the course is among the related/integrative disciplines or among the student's elective credits (in both cases as a 6 CFU exam)

At the end of the course, the student will be able to critically approach ancient sources, as well as to apply current methodologies in their analysis. In addition, the student will be able to develop independent research in the field of Ancient Near Eastern history. He or she will practice the newly acquired skills and knowledge by writing a short scientific paper on a topic related to the course, to be agreed upon with the teacher.

The course has no prerequisites. Basic knowledge of the history of the Ancient Near East is however recommended.

The course title is: “Temples and Deities in Ancient Mesopotamia.” The course aims to explore the main thematic areas of interest related to the great temple institutions of the Near East, from the fourth to the first millennium BCE. Textual sources (temple archives and selected mythological compositions) and archaeological data (monumental architecture, statuary, and iconography) will be cross-referenced to investigate broad themes, such as: ideological aspects (the formation and transformation of the pantheon in relation to time and space, its connection to royal propaganda), social organization (prominent figures, cultic actors, temple personnel), economy (land and labor management), and the transmission of knowledge.

Maria Giovanna Biga, Anna Maria G. Capomacchia (2008), Il politeismo vicino-orientale. Roma : Libreria dello Stato, Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato.

+ Additional readings will also be assigned individually for the writing of the essay (contact the instructor).

- notes and materials from the classes
- class discussion on selected topics
- written assignment (short scientific essay)

written and oral

The course exam consists of writing a short scientific essay, its presentation, and class discussion. The evaluation is based on the following criteria:
- Quality of the Scientific Essay (50%)
Clarity and logical coherence (logical structure of the text, cohesion between sections, consistent development of the argument).
Relevance and depth of analysis (ability to address the topic with a critical approach and based on relevant sources).
Use of sources (correct use and citation of primary and secondary sources, appropriate bibliography).
Terminological precision and formal accuracy (appropriate use of academic language, absence of grammatical and stylistic errors).

- Oral Presentation (30%)
Clarity of exposition (ability to communicate effectively and comprehensibly).
Presentation structure (logical organization and adherence to assigned time limits).
Summarization skills (ability to present key points without excessive, unnecessary details).

- Discussion and Interaction (20%)
Ability to answer questions (relevance and depth of responses).
Participation in the debate (contribution to the discussion with critical and pertinent observations).

Grading Scale:
30 with honors – Excellent: well-structured essay, in-depth analysis, excellent argumentative skills, and impeccable presentation.
28-30 – Very good: solid work with minor inaccuracies, good presentation, and critical ability.
25-27 – Good: clear argumentation, but with some weaknesses in depth of analysis or presentation.
21-24 – Satisfactory: adequate essay and presentation, but with gaps in analysis or logical coherence.
18-20 – Sufficient: basic understanding of the topic, but evident weaknesses in structure and use of sources.
<18 – Insufficient: inadequate essay in terms of structure and content, difficulties in exposition and interaction.

Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for guidance in selecting the essay topic.

Lectures by the teacher and discussion in class. Handouts will be distributed to the students, concerning texts to be discussed. Overview of web resources.

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