The Prehistory and Protohistory of the Mediterranean course is divided in two parts. Part I aims to present a wide, and up-to-date, overview on the prehistory and protohistory of the Mediterranean, with special focus on selected key issues, questions and problems. The main goal of Part I is to provide students with a clear understanding of the general framework of the cultures around the Mediterranean, and their evolution throughout pre and protohistory, conducted through several insights into specific themes, especially regarding Italian prehistory and protohistory as part of the wider Mediterranean picture. 

Part II aims to provide the students with an overview on the rise of metallurgy from the Near East to Europe, transfer of technology in metal work, and the chaîne opératoire of metal production. Special focus will be on analytical techniques and how they can help us to achieve further knowledge on materials used, manufacturing techniques applied, and the usage of the final objects. Another topic of the course will be on Bronze Age arms and armour as an example of how a material group may be studied: distribution, chronology, typology, manufacture and usage will be discussed. Moreover, an introduction to the protection of cultural heritage and cultural heritage objects on the market will be provided, and how archaeologists can act to protect them

The course will be held by prof. Paolo Rondini (Part I, lessons 1-11) and prof. Marianne Moedlinger (Part II, lectures 12-16).