This course offers an introduction to the archaeological discipline. The course provides the student with a comprehensive idea of archaeological science, from its early stages to the newest trends in archaeological research. The course is divided in four blocks that will tentatively be imparted in twelve sessions of two hours each. The first block has an introductory character: What defines archaeological thought? What are the differences between archaeology, history and prehistory? What are the benefits of studying archaeology? Block Two offers an overview to the history of the discipline. In Block Three the main archaeological research methods are presented. The last Block focuses on current controversies and future trends in archaeological research. The course combines standard lecture methods with active participation of the students through quizzes, selective questioning and group debates. Additionally, at the end of the course a field trip to an archaeological area or an archaeological field exercice will be carried out. The main reading material for the course is the brochure/booklet prepared by the lecturer. However, the student is strongly encouraged to go beyond that and to pursue further reading with suitable English-speaking scientific literature provided in this Syllabus. Evaluation will be done through continuous evaluation and a final exam.

Scodra from antiquity to modernity, 2020

(OLSM 7), Dipartimento di Storia Culture Civiltà - Ante Quem, Bologna. With contributions by Vittoria Cardini and Raffaella Pappalardo. ISBN: 978-88-7849-163-2 ISBN: 978-88-7849-177-9 (e-Pdf). Free download with online-only supplementary materials at http://www.orientlab.net/pubs/, 2022

During an archaeological investigation at LutomierskeKozi owki in central Poland, deposits indicative of an old rettery from the 16the17th century AD were discovered. The artifacts found in the lacustrine deposits, together with historical sources and radiocarbon dates of organic matter, show that the pond at a local mill was present from ca. AD 1525 to at least AD 1620. The high content of Cannabis and Linum subfossil macro-and micro-remains in the sediment indicate that the pond was most probably used as a rettery for hemp and flax fibre production. Pollen analysis revealed strong deforestation of the local landscape at the beginning of the pond history. Despite high pollution caused by plant retting, speciesrich chironomid, cladoceran and diatom communities occupied the pond. Our investigations reveal that the rettery was situated on the artificial channel of a local stream. High abundance of yellow flatsedge (Cyperus flavescens) fruit remains and coprophile beetle subfossils indicate that pond was also used as a watering place for cattle. Decline in the concentration of aquatic invertebrate subfossils, diatoms, aquatic and cultivated plant macrofossils, reveals rapid abandonment of the rettery in the mid-17th century AD. For some time after the basin was a telmatic ecosystem overgrown by sedges and bulrush. The basin was finally filled by a high-energy overbank deposition not later than in the beginning of 19th century AD.

Atiqot 53 (2006), 2006