Prerequisites

At least a passive understanding of German, English, and Italian is recommended.

Content (Syllabus outline)

The course is concerned with both theory and practice. Within theory, the main topics and aims of Neolithic and Eneolithic archeology in the Karst region and Caput Adriae are discussed. Caput Adriae is a meeting point of influences from the Balkans and the Apennine Peninsula. Important archaeological sites and artefacts are presented. During the programme, the students participate in an archaeological excavation at one of the numerous cave sites in the area. Attention is paid to a practicum with artefacts, especially those made of stone and pottery.

Basic topics and aims of Neolithic and Eneolithic archeology in the Karst region and Caput Adriae:

• History of research
• Archaeological sources
• Theoretical background
• Chronology
• Comparative studies

Readings

• Bernardini, F., El. Leghissa, D. Prokop, A. Velušček, A. De Min, D. Dreossi, S. Donato, C. Tuniz, F. Princivalle in E. Montagnari Kokelj 2019. X-ray computed microtomography of Late Copper Age decorated bowls with cross-shaped foots from central Slovenia and the Trieste Karst (North-Eastern Italy): technology and paste characterisation. Archaeological and anthropological sciences September 2019, vol. 11, no. 9: 4711-4728.
• Velušček, A. 2017. Kronološki odnos med lasinjsko kulturo in kulturo keramike z brazdastim vrezom v severovzhodni Sloveniji. Arheološki vestnik 68: 9-84.
• Bernardini, F., A. De Min, D. Lenaz, Z. Kasztovszky, P. Turk, A. Velušček, C. Tuniz in E. Montagnari Kokelj 2014. Petrographic and geochemical comparison between the Copper Age “Ljubljana type” axes and similar lithotypes from Eisenkappler Diabaszug complex (southern Austria). Journal of archaeological science 41: 511-522.
• Turk, M., Velušček, A., P. Pavlin, S. Tecco Hvala, L. Grahek, J. Horvat, M. Šašel Kos, Z. Modrijan in A. Pleterski 2020. The history of Slovenia: archaeological evidence from prehistory to the Slavs. V: The geography of Slovenia: small but diverse. Springer Nature -World regional geography book series: 127-141. Cham.
• Miracle, P. T. in S. Forenbaher ur. 2006. Prehistoric herders of northern Istria. The archaeology of Pupićina Cave. Vol. 1. Monografije i katalozi 14. Pula.
• Montagnari Kokelj, E. 2003. Why settling a karstic area? considerations on the Trieste Karst (north-eastern Italy) in the Late Prehistory. V: Settlements and settling from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. International Archaeological Symposium Pula, 26-29 November 2002, Histria antiqua 11: 75-93.
• Boschian, G. in E. Montagnari Kokelj. 2000. Prehistoric Shepherds and Caves in the Trieste Karst (Northeastern Italy). Geoarchaeology: An International Journal 15, No. 4: 331-371.
• Velušček, A. 1999. Neolithic and Eneolithic Investigations in Slovenia. Arheološki vestnik 50: 59-79.
• Barfield, L. H. 1972. The first Neolithic cultures of north eastern Italy. Fundamenta A/3, Teil 7: 182-216.
• Leben, F. 1967. Stratigrafija in časovna uvrstitev jamskih najdb na Tržaškem Krasu. Arheološki vestnik 18: 43-109.
• Korošec, J. 1960. Neolit na Krasu in v Slovenskem primorju. Zgodovinski časopis 14: 5-33.

Objectives and competences

The Neolithic and Eneolithic periods were characterized by significant social changes in human society. Man developed from hunter-gatherer to farmer and herdsman. Periodic camps changed into more permanent settlements; in the Karst region, the limestone region of south-western Slovenia, caves and rock shelters were settled. The basic aim of this course is to offer the highest quality learning at the graduate level on the main topics of the Neolithic and Eneolithic periods in the Karst region and in Caput Adriae.

Intended learning outcomes

Scientific article (accepted, at least).

Assessment

Long written assignment (70 %), presentation (20 %), final examination (written/oral) (10 %).