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Corso di laurea magistrale in

Archeologia

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SEMITIC PHILOLOGY

Academic Year 2024/2025 - Teacher: MARCO MORIGGI

Expected Learning Outcomes

In application of the Dublin descriptors, the course provides:

 1) Knowledge of the most relevant contents and methodologies of Semitic epigraphy; 2) groundings of Aramaic epigraphy from Syria and Mesopotamia (Late Antiquity, 1st-3rd cent. AD); 3) development of reading skills of epigraphic texts in Aramaic language in both synchronic and diachronic perspectives; 4) communicative skills enabling the student to spread knowledge and expertise in both specialist and non-specialist contexts; 5) development of learning capacities leading to a totally autonomous and self-directed study (Dublin Descriptors 2nd cycle qualification).

Course Structure

Class lectures

Lessons will be taught in English

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is not compulsory

Detailed Course Content

Reading Middle-Aramaic inscriptions: transliteration, translation and commentary of an anthology of texts (1st-3rd cent. AD). Further discussion will take place about their function in the archaeological context.

Textbook Information

- J. Pirenne, “Aux origines de la graphie syriaque”, «Syria» 40 (1963), pp. 101-137.

- M. Moriggi, La lingua delle coppe magiche siriache, Firenze, 2004, pp. 61-71.

- J. Naveh, “An Aramaic Inscription from El-Mal – A Survival of ‘Seleucid Aramaic’ Script, «Israel Exploration Journal» 25 (1975), pp. 117-123.

- A. Luther, “Osrhoener am Niedderhein. Drei altsyrische Graffiti aus Krefeld-Gellep (und andere frühe altsyrische Schriftzeugnisse)”, «Marbuger Beiträge zur antiken Handels-, Wirtschafts- und Sozialgeschichte» 27 (2009), pp. 11-30.

- G. Lacerenza, “Graffiti aramaici nella Casa del Criptoportico a Pompei (Regio I, Insula VI, 2)”, «AION» 56 (1996), pp. 166-188.

Further material will be put at students’ disposal during the lessons and promptly uploaded on the STUDIUM web platform (access reserved to students).

Please remember that in compliance with art 171 L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or journals, only 15% of their content can be copied.

For further information on sanctions and regulations concerning photocopying please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO - Associazione Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle opere dell’ingegno (the Italian Association on Copyright).

All the books listed in the programs can be consulted in the Library.

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral examinations will consist in a discussion of the contents of the course aimed at checking knowledge, reading skills of the texts and contextualization of their contents in the respective historical and geographical frameworks.

Exams’ typology may be subject to change according to emergencies and/or other concurring events.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

1) Describe the physical support, materiality and archaeological context of an inscription and link these data to the contents of its text.

2) Transliterate and translate an inscription and briefly describe some of its linguistic peculiarities (spelling, phonology, etc.).
VERSIONE IN ITALIANO