PAPYROLOGY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
The aim of the basic course is to learn the fundaments of Papyrology (reading papyrus texts and using the bibliographic instruments). Introduction to a proper method of reading, interpretation and study of literary and documentary texts found on papyri.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are competence in both basic reading skills and in a historical or cultural area such as Greek Literature, Greek History, Roman History, and Classical Archaeology, for which the sources that are to be studied may be applied
Course contents summary
Introduction to the study of papyrological evidence between literature and history.
(6 CFU): The basic course will deal with the writing material recovered in Egypt (papyrus, parchment, wooden tablets and ostraca).
Culture and history of Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt. Places and methods of recovering papyri. Different types of books and documents (roll and codex). Languages and handwritings in the papyri with examples of texts and translations. Papyrology and digital resources.
Course contents
Course contents: The Papyrologist at Work. A methodological approach. The block course will deal with the literature and documents that have been found in Egypt. Life and culture, history and administration over the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Archaeological context and the history of the excavations. Palaeographical examination, reading and interpretation of a selection of papyri together with more thorough investigation and exercise with the evidence supplied by literary and documentary texts (reading will include reproductions of the originals as well as translations).
Recommended readings
Select Bibliography:
E.G. Turner, Papiri greci, ed. italiana a c. di M. Manfredi, Roma: Carocci, 2002
G. Cavallo, La scrittura greca e latina dei papiri. Una introduzione, Roma: Fabrizio Serra Editore, 2008
R.S. Bagnall, Reading Papyri, Writing Ancient History. London and New York: Routledge, 1995 (pagine scelte) (ora in trad. it: Papiri e Storia Antica, edizione italiana con aggiornamenti a cura di M. Capasso, Roma: Bardi Editore, 2007)
M. Capasso, Che cos'è la papirologia?, Roma: Carocci (Le Bussole.351) 2009
Teaching methods
Education is imparted in a series of lessons. Ppt projections and materials prepared for each session prior to attending class.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination. The exam is passed when the candidate is able to introduce the content of most of the texts which constitute part of the course. Important is also the attendance at the lessons during the semester. An important role in the examination is the ability of the candidate to sent the evidence into a chronological and archeological context.
Other informations
The basic course will deal with the reading of both literary and documentary papyri in a historical or cultural area such as Greek Literature, Greek History, Roman History, and Classical Archaeology. Life and culture, history and administration over the Ptolemaic and Roman periods will be explored. Reading will include reproductions of the originals as well as translations. Students will be introduced to a proper method of interpretation of literary and documentary texts found on papyri ranging in date from the fourth century BC to the sixth century AD. A training in the use of bibliographic instruments to deepen a correct understanding of interdisciplinary aspects offered by the sources is also included.
