HS2123: The Archaeology of Mediterranean Societies: Egypt, Greece and Rome

School Archaeology
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS2123
External Subject Code 100299
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Ruth Westgate
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

This module is an introduction to the archaeology of the Mediterranean from c. 8000 BC to the sixth century AD, focusing on three societies: Egypt, Greece and Rome. The module will trace the origins of agriculture and cities in the Near East, before looking at these three civilisations in turn. The emphasis throughout will be on how the material evidence relates to the life, culture and politics of these societies, and on the ways in which archaeology can be used to study them. The module will examine a number of key themes and concepts in relation to each society, such as power and the state, writing and literacy, art and representation, settlements and urbanism, the economy, religion and death.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • recognise and describe a range of archaeological evidence from three major Mediterranean societies, Egypt, Greece and Rome, including key sites and artefact types
  • relate this material to major themes and concepts in the study of these cultures (e.g. urbanism, state formation, art, religion, literacy)
  • explain the evidence with reference to modern interpretations and theories
  • identify changes over time or compare different ancient civilisations and cultures
  • discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed

How the module will be delivered

20 lectures and 2 seminars; independent learning; 1 coursework feedback tutorial

The lectures provide an introduction to a particular topic, establishing the key points of major course themes, identifying important issues, and providing guidance for more in-depth reading. They aim to provide a basic framework for understanding, and should be thought of as a useful starting-point for further discussion and independent learning. Slides will be used to illustrate the material discussed.

The seminars enable students to develop their analytical and interpretative skills by studying and discussing key evidence and concepts. During seminars students will practise constructing arguments and debates, and get feedback on their ideas from the tutor and their peers. Handouts with material for study and suggestions for preparatory reading will be circulated prior to the seminars.

Independent learning enables students to familiarise themselves with the archaeological evidence and the most important modern approaches and debates on the subject. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for the major themes of the module.

Coursework feedback tutorials provide students with an opportunity to get feedback and guidance on all aspects of their written work.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
  • observation and visual analysis
  • critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
  • constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
  • clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
  • employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of archaeological evidence
  • bibliographic and referencing skills
  • team-working and contributing to group discussions
  • using IT resources effectively
  • independent working and time management

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed through a 2000-word essay (50%) and an exam consisting of one essay question and one picture question, weighted 70:30 (50%).

The essay and exam questions will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and an awareness of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to Egyptian, Greek and Roman archaeology.

In the picture question that forms part of the exam, three artefacts, buildings or sites will be set, one Egyptian, one Greek and one Roman (10 marks each). Students will be asked to comment on all three images and assess their significance, thus deploying their knowledge of the archaeological evidence and interpretations of it. The images will be selected from the material discussed in the seminars.

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will normally be expected to resit the failed component(s) in the summer resit period. In some cases reassessment will be 100% coursework.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Coursework - Essay (2000 Words) N/A
Exam - Spring Semester 50 The Archaeology Of Mediterranean Societies: Egypt, Greece And Rome 1.5

Syllabus content

  • the origins of agriculture and the beginnings of civilisation in the Near East
  • Egypt from prehistory to the Ptolemies: geography; prehistory; writing and the state; temples, monumentality and religion; settlements and urbanism; farming and the economy; gender; death and burial
  • the Greek-speaking Mediterranean world from the Middle Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period: Mediterranean connections and cultural interactions; writing, politics and the state; temples, monumentality and religion; art and representation; settlements and housing; trade and the economy; gender; death and burial
  • the Roman world from the Republic to Late Antiquity: settlements and urbanism; politics, power and imperialism; religion; art and writing; money and the economy; death and burial

Essential Reading and Resource List

Alcock, S.E. and Osborne, R. (eds.) 2012. Classical Archaeology. Second edition. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Bard, K. 2008. An Introduction to the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Blackwell.

Bintliff, J. 2012. The Complete Archaeology of Greece: From Hunter-Gatherers to the 20th Century A.D. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Bispham, E. 2008. Roman Europe: 1000 BC to AD 400. Oxford University Press.

Broodbank, C. 2013. The Making of the Middle Sea: A History of the Mediterranean from the Beginning to the Emergence of the Classical World. London: Thames and Hudson.

Huskinson, J. (ed.) 2000. Experiencing Rome: Culture, Identity and Power in the Roman Empire. London: Routledge.

Scarre, C. (ed.) 2013. The Human Past: World Prehistory and the Development of Human Societies. London: Thames and Hudson.

Shaw, I. (ed.) 2000. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Whitley, J. 2001. The Archaeology of Ancient Greece. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Background Reading and Resource List

See the module handout for the full reading list.


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