Unit name | The Archaeology of Myth: From the Trojan War to the end of Atlantis |
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Unit code | CLAS12384 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Momigliano |
Open unit status | Open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Classics & Ancient History |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Since the early 19th century, the investigations of some famous archaeological sites in the ancient world have been stimulated by their literary associations, and especially their links to with well-known Greek myths. Among the best examples are Schliemann's excavations at Troy and Mycenae in search of Homeric heroes, Sir Arthur Evans's work at the 'Palace of Minos' at Knossos, Carl Blegen's discoveries at the 'Palace of Nestor' at Pylos, and Spyridon Marinatos's excavations on Thera/Santorini, and alleged relation to Plato's myth of Atlantis. Using these Aegean sites as the main (but not the only) case-studies, this unit will explore the relationship between archaeological investigations and myths, the theoretical and methodological issues involved in the use of written and archaeological sources, what archaeology can (or cannot) contribute to the understanding of texts/myths (and vice versa), and whether new myths have emerged since these archaeological discoveries (e.g. the Minoans as worshippers of a Great Mother Goddess and pacifist proto-Christians). The main aims of this unit are to introduce students to:
On successful completion of this unit student will have a sound knowledge/critical understanding of:
In addition, second year students will be expected to have developed more sophisticated analytical skills, as demonstrated in their formal assessments (including the extended length of their course-work essay) and in their participation in seminar discussions.
Lectures (2 x 1 hour per week)
1 essay of 2,000 (50%) and 1 examination of 90 minutes (50%)