HDS 1834: Archaeology and History of Israel/Palestine from the Second Temple to the Early Islamic Period

Instructor: Giovanni Bazzana

The course will focus on the history of Israel/Palestine in the span of time of almost a millennium that witnessed the emergence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Specific attention will be devoted to the changing landscape of the region and, by way of case studies, to archaeological excavations as evidence for cultural, religious, and socio-economic trajectories. The study of history and archaeology will be connected with the current religious and political situation of the region in order to highlight the ways in which the memory of the past shapes the present and is in turn shaped by present ideological concerns.

Participation in the course includes participation to a three-weeks trip to Israel/Palestine that will take place in May before graduation and will include a week of excavation on the Magdala site.