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ARCHEOLOGIA E STORIA DELL'ARTE DELL'INDIA E DELL'ASIA CENTRALE
UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI "L'ORIENTALE"
Dati Generali
Periodo di attività
Syllabus
Obiettivi Formativi
The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the history and the archaeology of settlements in the Indo-Iranian world from a comparative and diachronic perspective. Through the analysis of selected case-studies, students will explore the diverse patterns of urbanisation, the cultural interactions that shaped them, and the historical processes connecting these different but interrelated regions. Particular attention will be given to methodological approaches to the study of settlement, the analysis of material culture, and the integration of archaeological and the other available evidence.
Expected learning results
Upon completion of the course, students will be expected to demonstrate:
• A thorough knowledge of the archaeological sites examined during the course and of the settlement patterns characterising the Indo-Iranian world in the period under consideration.
• An understanding of the cultural and historical processes that ignited, stimulated and influenced urbanisation in Iran, India, and their intermediate contact zone.
• An awareness of the methodological frameworks employed in the study of diverse patterns of urbanism across different cultural contexts.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Upon completion of the course, students will be expected to be able to:
• Recognise and critically analyse the main archaeological sites and settlement types presented during the course.
• Contextualise archaeological evidence within its historical and cultural framework.
• Compare different case studies and identify interconnections between different regions and periods.
Further expected learning outcome
Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate archaeological evidence and interpretations, developing an independent approach to the analysis of settlement patterns and material culture, to present their knowledge clearly, using appropriate terminology and presenting coherent arguments, and to have acquired the critical skills to independently identify and use bibliographical resources for further study.
Prerequisiti
A basic knowledge of archaeological methodology, as well as of the geography and history of the ancient Near East, Central Asia, and South Asia, is recommended. Students are required to have a good working knowledge of English.
Metodi didattici
The course consists of lectures (30 hours) during which the course main case-studies will be presented and discussed, with the aid of visual materials (images, site plans, maps) through PPT. Each module will conclude with a dedicated session of 2 hours for discussion of the topics covered, aimed at encouraging critical thinking and student participation (6 hours in total).
Verifica Apprendimento
Assessment of learning outcomes takes place through an oral examination, structured as follows:
- Critical analysis and discussion of archaeological sites and settlement patterns based on visual materials presented during the course.
- Discussion of the topics covered in the syllabus, aimed at assessing the student’s ability to contextualise evidence, compare different case studies, and demonstrate understanding of key methodological and historical concepts.
Evaluation criteria:
- Ability to analyse and synthesise content.
- Correct use of specialised terminology.
- Ability to establish connections between different contexts and periods.
- Clarity of exposition and appropriateness of language.
Language of the exam: English.
Testi
• Erdosy, G. (1990) Taxila: Political history and urban structure. In M. Taddei (ed.), South Asian Archaeology 1987, Serie Orientale Roma, LXVI, 2 (Istituto Italiano per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente, Rome): 657-674.
• Barikot https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barikot (an overview to be integrated with other information provided by the teacher).
• Minardi, M. 2020. “Achaemenid ‘echoes’ at Akchakhan-kala, Chorasmia, and their broader significance for Central Asia”. Journal of Asian Civilizations 43/2: 1-41.
• Minardi, M. 2023. “The northeastern regions of the Persian Empire: Bactria, Sogdiana, Margiana, Chorasmia, Aria, Parthia, the Sakas and the Dahae”, in K. Radner, N. Moeller & D. T. Potts (eds.), The Oxford History of the Ancient Near East Volume 5: The Age of Persia, Oxford University Press, 784-836.
• Minardi, M. and Bektulaev, A. 2024. “Report on the first campaign of excavations of 2023 at Bazar-kala, with additional considerations on the urbanism of Ancient Chorasmia”, East and West 64/2: 63-92.
• Kenoyer, J. M. (2008). "Indus urbanism: New perspectives on its origin and character." In Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Published online on the website Harappa.com. https://www.harappa.com/content/indus-urbanism-new-perspectives-its-origin-and-character
• Allchin, F.R. (1995) " The Mauryan State and Empire" Chapter 10, in The Archaeology of Early Historic South Asia: The Emergence of City State. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 187-221
• Lal, B. B., Mohanty, R. K., & Smith, M. L. (2014). VII.13. Sisupalgarh. In History of Ancient India, vol. III: Texts, Political History and Administration till 200 BCE. Delhi: Aryan Books, pp.617-628. Accessible through the link below: rome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://anthro.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2014LalMohantySmithSisupalgarh.pdf
• Cherian, P. J. (2020). Unearthing Pattanam. PAMA Research Collectives. Available online chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.pama.org.in/docs/amity20/PAMA_Amity_Excavation_Catalogue_Masterlayout_Unearthing_Pattanam.pdf
Possible additions to the study materials will be advised by the instructors during the course. The instructor will provide students with PDF handouts containing the graphic and illustrative material presented during the lectures.
Contenuti
The course offers a diachronic and comparative exploration of settlement patterns and urbanisation processes across the Indo-Iranian world, examining in their proper historical and geographical context the processes that affected Iran and Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the contact zone between the two regions. Through the analysis of a series of paradigmatic archaeological case-studies, the course aims to highlight the diversity of urban forms, the cultural contacts and exchanges that shaped them, and the broader historical dynamics that connected these different regions. Particular attention will be devoted to the relationship between cities and wider settlement systems, in order to explore how urban centres functioned within complex and interconnected socioeconomic and political networks.
The course is structured around three thematic modules, each taught by a professor from L’Orientale, focusing on the following areas with a selection of emblematic sites:
Module 1 – Prof. Anna Filigenzi, the Indo-Iranian Borderlands
Focusing on the sites of Ai-Khanoum, Taxila, and Barikot, this module examines the intersection of Hellenistic, Central Asian, and South Asian cultural traditions. These sites exemplify the complex processes of cultural transmission and local adaptation that characterise the urban centres of the Indo-Iranian borderlands.
Module 2 – Prof. Pia Brancaccio, India
This module addresses the archaeology of settlement in the Indian subcontinent, with particular attention to the sites of Sisupalgarh, Pattanam, and other key centres. It explores the development of urbanism in South Asia, the role of long-distance trade networks, and the interactions between coastal and inland settlements.
Module 3 – Prof. Michele Minardi, the Iranian World
Focusing on the archaeological sites of Ancient Chorasmia – Akchakhan-kala, Bazar-kala, and Toprak-kala – this module investigates the distinctive patterns of urbanisation and royal ceremonial architecture at the fringes of the Eastern Iranian world. It examines how Chorasmian settlements reflect both local traditions and external influences, including Achaemenid heritage and Hellenistic cultural elements.
Lingua Insegnamento
English
Altre informazioni
Any changes to the course programme or the lecture calendar will be communicated promptly through the announcements board.