Aegean civilisations

Aim of the course is the study of the Aegean world between the Palaeolithic and the Late Bronze Age, with specific attention to the Minoan, Cycladic and Mycenaean civilisations. The geographical areas included are Crete, the Aegean islands and the Greek mainland. The historical, political and economic framework is analyzed by using the rich archaeological and textual sources, the latter ones particular informative for the end of the Bronze Age. Furthermore, attention is paid to the arts and crafts and their relation with the society, economy and religion. Finally particular consideration is devoted to the Aegean writings of the II millennium B.C. (Minoan Hieroglyphic, Linear A and B), whose origin, function, employment, as well as the relationship with the economic and cultic realms are explained.