54
Archeology and Art History of India and Central Asia
UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI "L'ORIENTALE"
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course provides an introductory overview and will treat, in a diachronic perspective, the archaeology and art history of the Iranian ecumene, as well as of the geographical areas historically and politically connected to it, from the Median to the Parthian period. The approach will be based on a detailed analysis of the archaeological, historical-artistic, and architectural evidence from the major ancient centres of the region, known through both past and recent investigations. The interrelations between the various parts of the Iranian world – in terms of transmission, reception, and original elaboration of ideas, as well as their reconstruction and interpretation through archaeological and historical-artistic evidence – will be explored in depth within specific contexts, through representative case studies and discussion of their results.
Particular attention will also be devoted to aspects relating to patronage and the intended message in Iranian art, both before and after the process of Hellenisation of Asia that occurred in the post-Alexandrian and especially Seleucid periods.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding – By the end of the course, students will be expected to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the historical and artistic development of Iran and Central Asia in the pre-Islamic period, with particular focus on the period from Achaemenid to Parthian hegemony;
- possess a solid command of the principal archaeological and historical-artistic evidence from the Iranian and Central Asian regions during the period in question;
- understand the historical processes under examination;
- understand the dynamics of transmission, reception, and re-elaboration of ideas and culture among the different regions of the Iranian ecumene and its neighbouring areas.
Applying knowledge and understanding – By the end of the course, students will be expected to be able to:
- recognise and critically assess the main archaeological sites, monuments, and artworks of the pre-Islamic Iranian world;
- correctly place archaeological and historical-artistic evidence within its spatial and temporal framework, situating it in its respective historical and cultural contexts;
- orient themselves within a broad and complex geographical and chronological horizon, identifying the interconnections between the Iranian ecumene and the adjacent western and eastern regions.
Additional learning outcomes
Judgement and critical thinking: By the end of the course, students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to interpret and critically appraise archaeological and historical-artistic sources, developing an independent approach to the analysis of materials and their historical contextualisation.
Communication skills: Students will be expected to present the content learned clearly and with appropriate terminology, employing the specific language of the discipline and presenting coherent arguments.
Learning skills: By the end of the course, students must have acquired the critical skills necessary to independently locate and utilise bibliographical resources and primary sources for further investigation of specific topics in Iranian archaeology and art history.
Course Prerequisites
Teaching Methods
The course, based on lectures delivered with the aid of visual supports (images, plans, and cartographic materials) projected via PowerPoint, is intended to offer students a diachronic introduction to the archaeology and art history of the Iranian world. Throughout the lectures, a selection of the principal archaeological, architectural, and artistic evidence from the region in question – that is, the Iranian ecumene in its broadest sense – will be presented and examined from an extended historical and cultural perspective.
Assessment Methods
Assessment of learning outcomes takes place through an oral examination, structured as follows:
- Identification and critical analysis of archaeological sites and/or historical-artistic objects based on a plan, map, photograph, or illustration taken from the handouts provided by the instructor and/or the bibliographical material indicated for the examination;
- Discussion of the topics covered in the syllabus, aimed at assessing the ability to place the evidence within its historical and cultural context, as well as to grasp the interrelations between the different regions of the Iranian ecumene;
- Geographical knowledge: the ability to locate the main regions and sites mentioned during the lectures is required.
Evaluation criteria:
- Ability to analyse and synthesise content;
- Coherence and completeness of information;
- Correct use of specialised terminology;
- Ability to establish connections between different thematic and chronological areas;
- Clarity of exposition and appropriateness of language.
Language: Italian; upon request, international students may take the examination in English or French.
Texts
Due to the absence of an up-to-date textbook covering the archaeological evidence, the instructor will provide students with PDF handouts containing the graphic and illustrative material presented during the lectures. These handouts are essential for exam preparation and must be supplemented with personal lecture notes. Regular attendance is therefore strongly recommended.
For the historical background, which is necessary for a general understanding of the subject, students are advised to read:
• Wiesehöfer, J. 2001. Ancient Persia. London: I.B. Tauris.
In addition, the following chapters from the Oxford History of the Ancient Near East, vol. V, are recommended:
• Callieri, P. 2023. "The Southeastern Regions of the Persian Empire on the Indo-Iranian Frontier: Arachosia, Drangiana, Gedrosia, Sattagydia, Gandhara, and India", pp. 837-886.
• Klinkott, H. 2023. "The Satrapies of the Persian Empire in Asia Minor: Lydia, Caria, Lycia, Phrygia, and Cappadocia", pp. 592-648.
• Minardi, M. 2023. "The Northeastern Regions of the Persian Empire: Bactriana, Sogdiana, Margiana, Chorasmia, Aria, Parthia, the Sakas, and the Dahae", pp. 784-836.
For photographic documentation, the following works are suggested:
Ghirshman, R. 1982. Arte persiana. Parti e sassanidi. Florence. (Note: to be supplemented and updated with lecture notes.)
Curtis, J., and N. Tallis, eds. 2005. Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia. London: The British Museum.
Further bibliographical material (a selection of articles and chapters from monographs on specific topics) will be indicated and presented during the course.
Non-attending students: are required to contact the instructor to arrange an alternative examination programme.
Contents
Course Title:
Archaeology and art history of Iran: from the Medes to the Parthians.
Main topics:
1- The Medes and the Persians.
2 - From the rise of Achaemenid hegemony to the Parthian period: historical and artistic outlines.
3- Archaeology and material culture of western and eastern Iran.
4- Critical examination of socio-cultural relations and dynamics between empires and their peripheries, in light of the currently available material culture and historical-artistic evidence.
Course Language
More information
Any changes to the course programme or the lecture calendar will be communicated promptly through the following channels: the Teams classroom set up by the instructor and the announcements board.