“La topografia antica è un metodo di studio e un modo di vedere la storia e il mondo (e non solo quello antico).“
F. Castagnoli
Rodolfo Brancato, scientific head of the Laboratory, teaches Ancient Topography in the three-year degree course in Archaeology, History of Arts and Science of Cultural Heritage (P14) at the University of Naples ‘Federico II’.
The course in Ancient Topography provides the theoretical and practical tools for the analysis and interpretation of ancient landscapes, with a focus on historical reconstruction and the protection of cultural heritage. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will learn advanced methodologies for the study of the territory and ancient monuments.
Course objectives
- Methodologies of topographical analysis
The course introduces techniques for the identification and interpretation of historical-archaeological data, aimed at the reconstruction of the history and diachronic development of an area. - Use of sources and recognition of human traces
Students will acquire skills to analyse different sources and recognise characteristic elements of human activity in the territory, such as settlements, infrastructure and viability. - Autonomy of judgement and critical sense
The course stimulates critical capacity through analysis of the state of research and academic discussions at national and international level. - Development of communication skills
Students will be involved in the production of papers to hone their expository and dissemination skills. - Technical and methodological skills
The necessary skills for the drafting of archaeological maps and for the use of advanced tools such as GIS and spatial analysis will be provided.
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge and Understanding: The course provides an overview of the discipline, from its genesis to the latest research methodologies.
- Application of knowledge: Students will learn the use of topographical tools to analyse ancient cities and territories.
- Autonomy of judgement: They will be able to critically evaluate research methodologies and major case studies.
- Communication skills: Students will develop an appropriate technical language and the ability to expound on the topics dealt with.
- Learning skills: The course promotes a critical and autonomous approach to research, encouraging participation in seminars, conferences and practical activities.
Course programme
The course is structured in four modules:
- Fundamentals of Ancient Topography. Origins of the discipline and analysis of literary, iconographic, epigraphic and cartographic sources.
- Methodologies for the study of the archaeological landscape. Survey techniques, surface reconnaissance, remote sensing and monumental analysis.
- City and territory in the ancient world. Urbanism, settlement systems, infrastructure and coastal landscapes in the Greek and Roman world.
- Creation of archaeological maps and GIS. Creation of archaeological maps for the historical analysis and valorisation of the territory, with a focus on the Digital Humanities.
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