Module B of the course (also valid for the Corso Avanzato) is designed to explore in greater depth aspects of the institutional, political, social, and cultural history of the Ancient Near East—particularly Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the Syro-Palestinian region—during the pre-classical period, through critical analysis of written sources. For students enrolled in Modules A+B, an introduction to the Akkadian language is also included, providing the basic elements of this important Ancient Near Eastern language and practice in translating simple texts. Students of the Advanced Course are additionally required to write a short paper (approx. 2,500 words) on a course-related topic to be agreed upon with the instructor.
Course Prerequisites
Enrollment in Part B requires prior completion of Part A.
Teaching Methods
Lectures with PowerPoint presentations and reading seminars on texts in Akkadian.
Assessment Methods
Oral examination: students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the handbook and the topics discussed in class, as well as the ability to translate and analyze grammatically the Akkadian texts studied during the course.
Texts
– STUDENTS OF MODULES A+B (12 CFU) 1) GENERAL PART Students must study the following set chapters in the handbook of M. Liverani, Antico Oriente. Storia società economia, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2011: 3-4, 6-9, 12-22, 25-29, 31. 2) CORSO MONOGRAFICO The study of the topics presented during classes. Further bibliographical information will be provided to students in the course of the teacher. 3) INTRODUCTION TO AKKADIAN (students Modules A + B) Teaching materials and texts will be distributed in class and available on the platform Elearning-KIRO. Suggested handbook of Akkadian: F. d'Agostino et al., La lingua di Babilonia, Milano 2016. – STUDENTS OF CORSO AVANZATO 1) CORSO MONOGRAFICO The study of the topics presented during classes and the reading of the following bibliography are required: – G. Torri – C. Mora (ed.), Administrative Practices and Political Control in Anatolian and Syro-Anatolian Polities in the 2nd and 1st Millennium BCE, Firenze 2023 (two chapters). – S. De Martino (ed.), Handbook Hittite Empire, Berlin 2022, pp. 205-354. 2) ESSAY Students of the advanced course are required to write a short text (2500 words) on a topic related to the course to be agreed with the teacher. – STUDENTS WHO DO NOT ATTEND CLASSES Students who do not attend the course are required to study the entire manual by M. Liverani, Antico Oriente. Storia, società, economia, Roma-Bari 2011 and a series of additional readings to be agreed upon with the instructor.
Contents
1. Monographic course for students in Modules A+B and the Corso Avanzato: Hittite Syria (14th–13th centuries BC): politics, strategies of control, and the officials involved 2. Introduction to the Akkadian language for students in Modules A+B. Basic grammar and the reading of selected passages from the Code of Hammurabi 3. Students of the Corso Avanzato are required to write a short essay (approx. 2,500 words) on a course-related topic to be agreed upon with the instructor.
