The course will consider the tools needed to recognise the main materials encountered in archaeological practice by providing basic knowledge of the main geomaterials used for archaeological artefacts and works of historical and artistic interest. Some magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic nature lithologies, mortars and ceramic mixtures will be considered. The different chemical-physical and mechanical characteristics and the aesthetic and economic factors that have influenced the use of stone materials in architecture, sculpture and small artefacts will be explored. The production cycles of stone materials, mortars and ceramics will be considered in a historical perspective. The theoretical lessons will be supplemented by practical lessons that will allow to describe and characterize different geomaterials.

Introduction to the course. Geomaterials: general characters and historical aspects. The first geomaterials used by man: flint and obsidian. Studies of origin.

PART I: STONE MATERIALS Methods of study of rocks: macroscopic and microscopic characters and their meaning. Processes of formation of magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and phenomena of alteration. Characteristics, classification and nomenclature of the main rocks used by man in the archaeological field. The main factors that identify the use of stone materials: geological, mineralogical-petrographic, aesthetic, and economic. Archaeological stone materials of historical interest and main criteria of choice based on physical and mechanical characteristics. Extraction systems and processing of stone materials in antiquity.

PART II: MORTARS Mortars and their components. Inorganic air binders (aerial lime and gypsum) and hydraulics. Types of aggregate and additives. Use of mortars in history.

PART III: CERAMICS AND BRICKS Natural raw materials and dough preparation. Characterization and properties of ceramic materials according to the nature of the components of the dough. Ceramics in the history of man.

The course includes practical classroom exercises on macroscopic recognition and the compositional and textural characters of some archaeological stone materials of historical interest.

The student will have to show:
- mastering basic knowledge of the main archaeological geomaterials of historical interest;
- ability to integrate knowledge and concepts specific to the discipline to identify the nature of the different geomaterials (rocks, mortars and ceramics) also to understand their technological and cultural impact on past societies;
- ability to better understand the relationship between materials and the surrounding environment to archaeological contexts of discovery;
- have developed the learning skills needed to continue studying independently.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Students will be received for any doubts or difficulties in exam preparation by appointment at the e-mail address: daniele.paderni@uniurb.it .

Innovative teaching methods

Course books

- Artioli G., Angelini I., 2010. Scientific methods and cultural heritage: an introduction to the application of materials science to archaeometry and conservation science. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

- Santo A., Peccerillo A., 2021. Elementi di Petrologia. Patron Editore, Bologna.

- Pecchioni E., Fratini F., Cantisani E., 2018. Le malte antiche e moderne tra tradizione ed innovazione. Pàtron editore, Bologna.

- Levi S.T., 2010. Dal coccio al vasaio. Manifattura, tecnologia e classificazione della ceramica. Zanichelli.

Further bibliography and digital resources, useful to learning the course arguments, together with the course slides will be suggested  during the lessons and/or will be make available on the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it.

Assessment

Oral test to verify the degree of preparation of the student who will have to demonstrate to describe the macroscopic and textural characteristics of the main geomaterials encountered in archaeological practice such as magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, as well as mortars and shells. The ability to express oneself using scientific language appropriate to the subject will also be assessed. The oral exam is judged in thirties.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Individual study. It is possible to follow the advancements of the course autonomously by regularly accessing on the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it.

Attendance

Students unable to attend lessons are invited to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course, or at least two months before the exam date, to make arrangements.

Course books

- Artioli G., Angelini I., 2010. Scientific methods and cultural heritage: an introduction to the application of materials science to archaeometry and conservation science. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

- Santo A., Peccerillo A., 2021. Elementi di Petrologia. Patron Editore, Bologna.

- Pecchioni E., Fratini F., Cantisani E., 2018. Le malte antiche e moderne tra tradizione ed innovazione. Pàtron editore, Bologna.

- Levi S.T., 2010. Dal coccio al vasaio. Manifattura, tecnologia e classificazione della ceramica. Zanichelli.

Further bibliography and digital resources, useful to learning the course arguments, together with the course slides will be suggested  during the lessons and/or will be make available on the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it.

Assessment

Oral test to verify the degree of preparation of the student who will have to demonstrate to describe the macroscopic and textural characteristics of the main geomaterials encountered in archaeological practice such as magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, as well as mortars and shells. The ability to express oneself using scientific language appropriate to the subject will also be assessed. The oral exam is judged in thirties.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

The students should regularly access regularly to the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it concerning this course and use their institutional email.

Students will be received for any doubts or difficulties in exam preparation by appointment at the e-mail address: patrizia.santi@uniurb.it .