The Material Worlds of Antiquity: Archaeology and Ancient History

Catalog description

The study of the past is built largely upon written sources – i.e. histories, decrees, tax receipts, wills, letters, religious literature. In fact, for many “History” begins with writing, regulating earlier human events to the category of “prehistory”. Whether “prehistoric” or “historic”, however, texts only provide partial insight into the ancient world and its inhabitants. Archaeology has become an invaluable tool for histories of all periods, but especially for ancient history. This course seeks to better understand ancient history – specifically, the histories of Egypt, the Near East, Greece, and Rome – from an archaeological perspective. This course is not a survey, but rather will focus on particular historical moments, people, and places, relying on archaeological evidence to elucidate and/or complicate ancient histories. Texts will still be considered, but will be treated as artifacts alongside other objects, monuments, and sites from antiquity. In addition to learning about the histories of ancient peoples from across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa, this course will also introduce students to archaeological theories, practices, and technologies, as they relate to the study of the ancient past. May be taught concurrently with HST 669. May not receive credit for both HST 569 and HST 669.