The city of Rome certainly did not end after the Roman era, but it transformed considerably – just like Italy and the wider Mediterranean. At the same time, Early Medieval Rome was not an entirely new world as it was deeply rooted in its ancient past. Although pan-Mediterranean Roman imperialism had disappeared, contact and exchange between other cities (including Constantinople) did not cease altogether. At the Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome (KNIR), this course offers an archaeological exploration of how to make sense of the situation of continuity and gradual change in the Medieval city of Rome.
Rome’s transition from Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages will be investigated during this course, roughly between the fifth and tenth centuries CE. The emphasis will be on the cultural and socioeconomic developments of the Early Medieval period in Rome and Italy, based on the study of material culture, with a focus on ceramic finds.
‘Byzantine Rome’ is placed in the context of Medieval Italy and the wider Mediterranean world. Connections between Rome and Constantinople and the ‘Byzantine East’, as well as other Mediterranean regions, will be discussed. What continued, and what changed in this period? What were the political, religious, economic, and cultural links to sites within and beyond the Italian Peninsula? How do we see historic, economic, and societal shifts and developments back in the archaeological record?
Coordinator
Dr. Maria Bonaria Urban (KNIR)
Teaching staff
Prof. Dr. Joanita Vroom (Leiden University), Weston Kennedy, MA (Leiden University).
Some international scholars may present guest lectures.
Language
English
Target group and admission
This course is open to BA, (R)MA, and PhD students of archaeology and (art) history from KNIR-partner universities (Universiteit Leiden, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Universiteit Utrecht, Radboud Universiteit, and Rijksuniversiteit Groningen). A formal application, including a short CV and letter of motivation, a well as a list of grades (only if you are a BA, (R)MA student) is required before participation. Active involvement and a general interest in the post-Roman Mediterranean are necessary; some background knowledge is appreciated.
Course format and assignments
The course is organised by Joanita Vroom and Mink van IJzendoorn and hosted at the KNIR in Rome. It consists of a 10-day intensive seminar, including one free day. The course contains (guest) lectures, historical site visits, group discussions, and material (ceramic) learning. Excursions include trips to several ‘Byzantine’ churches and monuments. Furthermore, we are planning visits to museums such as the National Museum of the Middle Ages (in E.U.R.).
During the seminar, each participant will deliver an oral presentation either at the KNIR and/or during excursions on a related topic of choice. Students will write their final essay on the presentation’s topic. Before and during the seminar, participating students will read selected literature on subjects related to this course. Student assignments will be part of the excursions and other course elements.
The study load is divided as follows:
- Before and during the course: independent study of the literature (1 ECT);
- During the course: active participation in all parts of the course (3 ECTs);
- After the course: a final essay ranging from circa 2500 (BA) to 6000 ((R)MA) words (1 ECT).
Credits and assessment
The study load is the equivalent of 5 ECTS (140 hours). Each student should arrange with their university coordinator whether the course can be a part of their existing curriculum. After successful completion of the course, the KNIR provides a certificate mentioning the study load and grade.
The assessment and grading are based on:
- Preparatory work, including literature study (20%);
- Active participation, including presentations and discussions (30%);
- Final essay (50%).
Costs
Tuition and lodging at the KNIR are free for selected participants from the above-mentioned Dutch universities, and excursions (including most entry fees for museums and archaeological sites). Students enrolled in one of our partner universities receive a max. of €100 reimbursement of their expenses for travelling to Rome after a successful completion of this course. Meals and personal expenses are not included.
Facilities in Rome
All participants will be housed at the Royal Netherlands Institute near Rome’s Villa Borghese Park. From there, it is only a short walk to the historical center of Rome. The KNIR accommodation consists of shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and includes a living and dining space, a large kitchen, a washing machine and wireless internet. All residents have 24/7 access to the library and garden of the Royal Netherlands Institute.
Application and admission
The selection of participants is based on grades, the added value of the course in the student’s curriculum, a letter of motivation, and the composition of the group. Students can apply via the link below; include in your application:
- a letter of motivation (max. 1 A4)
- a cv
- a recent list of courses followed and grades provided by your university
Deadline applications
28 July 2025. You will be notified about the outcome within two weeks. Please note that the decision of the selection committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
More info
E-mail: secretary@knir.it
Phone: (+39)063269621
Suggested literature
Abulafia, D., (ed) 2021. The Mediterranean in History. London: Thames and Hudson.
Arthur, P. and H. Patterson, 1994. Ceramics and Early Medieval central and southern Italy: ‘A potted history’, in: R. Francovich and G. Noyé (eds), La storia dell’alto medioevo italiano (VI-X secolo) alla luce dell’archeologia, Florence: All’Insegna del Giglio, 409–441.
Hodges, R., 2012. Adriatic Sea trade in an European perspective, in: S. Gelichi and R. Hodges (eds), From One Sea to Another: Trading Places in the European and Mediterranean Early Middle Ages, Turnhout: Brepols , 207–234.
Vroom, J., 2012. From one coast to another: Early Medieval ceramics in the southern Adriatic region, in: S. Gelichi and R. Hodges (eds), From One Sea to Another: Trading Places in the European and Mediterranean Early Middle Ages, Turnhout: Brepols, 353–391.
Vroom, J., 2017. The Byzantine web: Pottery and connectivity between the southern Adriatic and the eastern Mediterranean, in: S. Gelichi and C. Negrelli (eds), Adriatico altomedievale (VI-XI secolo). Scambi, porti, produzioni, Venice: Ca’Foscari, 285–310.
Ward-Perkins, B., 2006. The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Wickham, C., 2010. The Inheritance of Rome: Illuminating the Dark Ages 400-1000. London: Penguin.
© photos (tile and header): J. Vroom (Crypta Balbi Museum, Rome)
