Programme

The course, which will take place during the first semester, is based on the direct observation of the ceramic artefacts present in the laboratory and the stone materials originating from the recent excavation at the Pecile of Hadrian’s Villa, with the objective of developing the capacity to interpret material culture as a source of insight not only into ancient socio-cultural contexts, but also into production processes.
The course aims to provide students with practical and methodological training in the study of archaeological ceramics, employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates typological analysis with technological and experimental methods.
The course is structured into three main phases:
1. Typological and stylistic analysis – Study of ceramic and marble artifacts through traditional classification methods; use of databases and application of different quantification criteria.
2. Technological analysis – Examination of the main ancient manufacturing techniques through the reconstruction of the operational sequence, from raw material selection to firing, with practical exercises on the steps of the production chain.
3. Experimental archaeology – Presentation and discussion of case studies aimed at reconstructing production processes and testing interpretative hypotheses.
The goal is to guide students in acquiring the tools necessary to describe ceramic artifacts, integrating traditional morphological, typological, and stylistic parameters with the recognition of manufacturing techniques, and developing the ability to critically evaluate the results of experimental archaeology in relation to archaeological data.

Core Documentation

Handouts and teaching materials will be provided during lessons. Educational field trips are planned

Attendance

As practical exercises and demonstrations are included, attendance is required

Type of evaluation

written exam