Archaeology and History of the Ancient Middle East
Objectives
a) Understand the connection between the time and space dimensions of the Oriental Ancient History and know how to analyze it both in a diachronic and synchronic perspective;
b) Learn the main and more recent historical interpretations about the Oriental Ancient History;
c) Identify and understand the main historical documents of the Oriental Ancient Civilizations;
d) Understand the political, economical, social, cultural and religious context of the Oriental Ancient History;
e) Develop oral and written abilities to expose the different historical problems related to the Ancient Civilizations, using the correct concepts;
f) Learn the right know-how about Ancient History, allowing a future specialization in the field.
General characterization
Code
711051168
Credits
6.0
Responsible teacher
Isabel Cristina Gomes de Almeida
Hours
Weekly - 4
Total - 168
Teaching language
Portuguese
Prerequisites
N/A
Bibliography
Akkermans, P. (2009). The Archaeology of Syria. From Complex Hunter-Gatherers to early Urban Societies (ca.16,000-300 BC). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Brisch, N. (ed.)( 2008) Religion and Power- Divine Kingship in Ancient World and Beyond, Chicago: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago.
Montero Fenollós, J.L. (2012) Breve Historia de Babilonia. Madrid: Ediciones Nowtilus,
Pollock, S. (1999). Ancient Mesopotamia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Sanmartín, J. & Serrano, J. M. (1998). Historia Antigua del Próximo Oriente: Mesopotamia y Egipto. Madrid: Ediciones Akkal.
Teaching method
Sessions are of a theoretical-practical nature, where the students should actively participate in the discussion of specific bibliography and sources (written, iconographic, and material).
Evaluation method
Two written and presential assessment elements, where the analysis of sources linked to the bibliography is privileged.
Subject matter
I Characterization of an Ancient context
1.1 Geography, natural resources, economic activities and trade networks
1.2 Ancient and modern names
1.3 The Neolithic substratum: the main material cultures
1.4 The Sumerian and Semitic cultural matrixes
1.5 The historical periods
II The (re)discovery by Western academia
2.1 The secondary accounts (the Old Testament tradition, Classical authors and European travelers' accounts)
2.2 The first archaeological campaigns and philological discoveries
2.3 Historiographical continuities and ruptures (from the 19th century to the present)
III The political-religious conceptions
3.1. The cosmic planes and the relation between deities and humans
3.2 The sacred mission of governance
3.3 The management of the earthly plane: contractual relationship between ruler and population
IV Social organization
4.1 Social hierarchization
4.2 Family dynamics
4.3 Legal traditions