The course analyses topics, methods and prospects in Near Eastern Archaology from its beginnigs in the Nineteenth century until today. The first part of the course focuses on the history of research and provides and introduction to how Near Eastern Archaeology has changed through time both in theoretical and historical research and in field practice. The second part of the course is dedicated to the presentation and analysis of topics, problems and prospects, discussed geographically and chronologically, from the foundation of the first cities in the fourth and third millennia BCE to the formation of the great empires in the first millennium BCE. Within this part of the course, it is also discussed how recent studies during the last decades have broadened research horizons within Near Eastern Archaeology.  Finally, the third part of the course is dedicated to the topics, problems and methods in the safeguard, protection, and promotion of Cultural Heritage in the ancient Near East.