Syllabus
* Lessons plan * Lesson
1. The origin of civilization in Cyprus During this lesson a brief overview on the first traces of humans on the island will be provided. The class will cover the period from the Aceramic Neolithic to the Chalcolithic, and then the focus will be on this second chronological phase. During this first introductory lecture I will also provide a referenced timeline with the relevant chronology for the historical periods we will study during the course. This class will mainly be focused on history. Table of contents: - chronology of Cyprus history - history of excavation and study - terminology - the Epipaleolithic (Aetokremnos cave) - the Neolithic period (Choirokitia-Vouni and Kalavasos-Tenta) * Lesson
2. From the Chalcolithic to the “Philia Phase” This lesson will dig into the changes occurred in the island during the Chalcolithic. It will then introduce the transitional period between the end of the Chalcolithic and the beginning of the Bronze Age, the so-called “Philia Phase”. The analysis of these historical periods will be done through the key-sites of Erimi and Lempa (for the Chalcolithic), and Philia (for the homonymous phase). The lecture will be marked on archaeology and history of art, furthermore history and social aspects will be taken into account. Table of contents: - Erimi-Pampoula - Lempa-Lakkous - The Philia Phase * Lesson
3. Early Bronze Age This lesson will focus on the Early Bronze Age, which will be analyzed through the key-site of Marki-Alonia. * Lesson
4. Middle Bronze Age Table of contents: - Continuity and discontinuity at Marki-Alonia - Ambelikou-Aletri - Enkomi, the first industrial center of Cyprus * Lesson
5. Late Bronze Age: International Cyprus During this class, we will cover topics regarding the international relationships between Cyprus and the Ancient Near East, by analyzing two case studies: the Amarna letters (specifically EA33-40), and the miscellaneous artifacts from the temples of Kition. The analysis of these two contexts will allow a better understanding of the international character of Cyprus in the LBA. Part of the class will be dedicated to the impact of the so-called “Sea People” invasions, which are held responsible for the international crisis all over the Mediterranean. We will see how Cyprus was affected by this phenomenon and what the status quo was at the turn from the Late Bronze to the Iron Age. Table of contents: - The first writing system of the island: the Cypro-Minoan - Alasyia and the Amarna letters - Miscellaneous art from Kition’s temples - The Sea People and Cyprus * Lesson
6. Egyptians, Persians, Greeks. A melting-pot of civilization (Iron Age) * Lesson 7: Cypriot City Kingdoms and introduction to the Hellenistic Period
Annotation
The course will focus on art, history and archaeology of Cyprus.
Especially due to its profitable location in the sea routes of the Mediterranean, the island has been a literal
“crossroad of civilization” throughout the millennia. This course aims at offering an overview of the dynamic and multicultural social organization in Cyprus between the Neolithic and the Roman period.
The course is suitable for bachelor as well as master students and does not require any specific preliminary knowledge; familiarity with Greek and/or Cycladic history would be preferred, but not necessary. It is suitable for historians, archaeologists, art conservators, as well as students of similar fields of interest. The course and the study material will be provided in English.
Final exam: in order to successfully complete the course, students will have to take part in the interactive classes. Furthermore, a final written exam is mandatory to pass the course.
Specific papers, PowerPoint presentations and key material will be provided to the students over the course of the classes.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The classes will begin at 16.00 to accommodate students' needs.