This course is a survey of the archaeology and cultures of ancient Greece and Italy from the Bronze Age (3,000 BCE) to the rise of
Byzantium (4th century CE). The class will proceed both geographically and chronologically, beginning with the rise of the Minoans and Mycenaeans in the Aegean and continuing with the "Dark," Archa^?c, Classical and Hellenistic phases of Greek history. From here we shall proceed to Italy to follow the rise and evolution of the Etruscan and Roman civilizations, beginning in the 8th century BCE and ending with the transformation of the Roman into the Byzantine Empire. External and influential civilizations will also be considered in this endeavor, such as Egypt, Phoenicia, and even the Celts.

Several topics beyond history and development will be examined as we explore the remains of these great societies, as issues of cult & religion,
gender & gender relations, power & propaganda, urbanism & elitism, communication & aesthetics, and, of course, death. This will entail a
survey of major archaeological sites, the "fine" arts as sculpture, painting and mosaics, as well as the objects of daily life, such as
pottery, loom weights and cooking pots. Throughout the class we shall also address issues of the interpretation of archaeological sources, both alone
and in concert with textual sources, all with an aim towards understanding the historical process.