The lecture series of the Doctoral School in Archaeology, Oriental Curriculum, of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" for the academic year 2024-2025 addresses the challenges and opportunities of archaeological research in the Near East, a region marked by conflicts and geopolitical tensions. The lectures focus on topics such as cultural heritage protection, scientific cooperation, and the role of archaeology as a tool for intercultural dialogue. Case studies include the UNESCO site of Tell es-Sultan in Jericho, the urban project in Baghdad, and conservation strategies for endangered sites such as Bethlehem and the Punic-Roman sanctuary of Ras il-Wardija. The lecture series also offers a critical analysis of the ethical and methodological issues characterizing contemporary archaeology, proposing innovative approaches for managing archaeological heritage in complex and crisis-prone contexts.
2025, January - February
Friday 24 January, MUSEO VOEM, h. 10-11,30
Prof. Lorenzo Nigro – Sapienza, Università di Roma
Italian Near Eastern Archaeology as an instrument of peace: the case of Jericho UNESCO site
Friday 24 January, MUSEO VOEM, h. 11,30-13,00
Prof. Nicola Laneri – Università di Catania
The Baghdad Urban Archaeological Project: An archaeological project to revitalize Iraq’s capital city
Friday 31 January, MUSEO VOEM, h. 10-11,30
Prof. Daria Montanari – Sapienza, Università di Roma
Endangered archaeological sites: strategies for monitoring, preservation, and fruition. The case of Bethlehem (Palestine)
Friday 31 January, MUSEO VOEM, h. 11,30-13,00
Prof. Federica Spagnoli – Sapienza, Università di Roma
Endangered archaeological sites: strategies for monitoring, preservation, and fruition. The case of the Punic-Roman Sanctuary of Ras Il-Wardija (Gozo, Malta)
Friday 21 February, MUSEO VOEM, h. 10,00-11,30
Prof. Marta D’Andrea – Sapienza, Università di Roma
Archaeology “at a critical juncture”: Contemporary issues and ethical concerns
Friday 21 February, MUSEO VOEM, h. 11,30-13,00
Prof. Davide Nadali – Sapienza, Università di Roma
How to Cope with Damaged Sites in the Near East: Vademecum for Recovery and Rehabilitation
Friday 28 February, MUSEO VOEM, h. 10-11,30
Prof. Marco Ramazzotti – Sapienza, Università di Roma
Broadening Horizons, archaeological research in Western and Central Eurasia
Friday 28 February, MUSEO VOEM, h. 11,30-13,00
Prof. Andrea Polcaro – Università degli Studi di Perugia
The Italian-Spanish Archaeological Expedition to Jebel al-Mutawwaq. New discoveries in the Early Bronze Age I Settlement