The course
foresees an historical introduction on the Eastern provinces of the Roman
empire so as to understand their formation process and their main peculiarities
and characteristics. The main focus of the course will be the analysis of some
cities in the eastern provinces of the empire (Syria, Arabia,
Palaestina), so as to examine their urban layout and the characteristics
of the most important preserved monuments. A particular attention will be
devoted to distinctive features and possible differences occurring in cities
and buildings located in different provinces, aiming at analysing the cultural
combination determined by the meeting of Roman and pre-existent cultures. Roman
provinces are characterised by original building typologies and peculiar works
of art, which will be examined in detail, mainly public buildings (agora,
basilica, spectacle buildings, baths etc.), sacred buildings (temples and
sanctuaries), private structures.