Art and Archaeology

Situated at the intersection of three continents, the Mediterranean Sea supported a plethora of powerful ancient civilizations. These include the Aegean civilizations, such as the Greeks and their Bronze Age predecessors, the Minoans and Mycenaeans, as well the civilizations of the Italian peninsula, namely the Etruscans and Romans. The rich and complex material remains of these societies are the subjects of study for scholars of Mediterranean art and archaeology.

Mediterranean archaeology is more than mere excavation—it is a multidisciplinary endeavor, as the interpretation of the archaeological record necessitates an understanding of archaeological field methods, anthropological theory, ancient history, art and architectural history, and classical languages and literature. Furthermore, various specialists are also invited to collaborate on archaeological projects, and some of these specialists include architects, human osteologists, zooarchaeologists, paleobotanists, pottery experts, illustrators, and conservators, as well as individuals proficient in biomolecular analysis, ground penetrating radar, and GIS. Classics faculty at the University of Pittsburgh have participated in archaeological excavations in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, and are eager to match prospective students with archaeological fields schools that suit each student’s unique interests and career goals.

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