Ancient Studies

This Department’s mission is to help students examine the fundamental questions that lie at the core of Ancient Studies as a field of intellectual inquiry. Students learn to critically observe from a historical and interdisciplinary point of view cultural and social phenomena such as religion, communicative strategies, socio-political development, and the impacts these have on the contemporary world.   

At LdM, we have a dedicated and diverse faculty of scholars and instructors whose areas of expertise represent a variety of disciplines at the heart of ancient studies and antiquities. The foundation of the curriculum is based in Classical studies. The broad academic subjects range from philosophy and government, to the arts and language, to archaeology and international studies, and many other fields. The courses cover both the theoretical aspects as well as the interdisciplinary connections of life in the ancient world, which incorporate such topics as belief systems and the hierarchical constructs of ancient civilizations. 

Students at LdM have the rare opportunity to experience their academic instruction in Italy, the epicenter of the Mediterranean and Classical studies. By maintaining both balance and integration among subjects which have traditionally characterized the discipline, students explore aspects of the Etruscan, Greek and Roman achievements. They are invited to investigate long-term cultural and historical processes using a comparative approach spanning space and time. 

LdM enjoys an enriching collaboration with The Center for Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (CAMNES), and their outstanding scholars and researchers. The main objective of this collaboration is to create an educational and research environment where students learn about the roots of our ancient past and their influence on contemporary society.

Fieldwork is considered an essential experience, along with focusing on archaeological theory, methods and research, providing a well-rounded and professional approach to the subject. The field excavation in the Tuscania necropolis is open to Italian and international students alike. This allows students to work side-by-side with Italian archaeology students giving them a fully immersed intercultural experience.

In the fall of 2010, the Center for Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (CAMNES) began a distinctive collaboration with LdM overseeing the Department of Ancient Studies and the Department of Religious Studies. As an academic partner, CAMNES offers a diverse approach to studying and understanding ancient cultures, creating a paradigm shift through participatory research in preserving cultural heritage. 

CAMNES and its Scientific Committee form an international network of professionals and institutions focused on communication and synergy in joint archaeological and research projects. By combining their experience in both theoretical and practical scientific research, the international faculty, researchers and students have a valuable opportunity to exchange technical skills and expand their knowledge of the great ancient civilizations, while encouraging awareness of the present and creating bright new opportunities for the future.  

LdM Mission is to unite the scientific experience of CAMNES with the academic expertise of LdM. The aim is to provide a stimulating and inclusive environment based on a multidisciplinary approach in the study and research of Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures. This is achieved by delivering high-quality academic courses, study programs, seminars, exhibitions, conferences and other scientific activities as well as hands-on experience in professional environments within the fields of archaeology, anthropology, conservation, history, literature, philology and art history. The CAMNES and LdM program thus studies archaeology in conjunction with ancient studies and religious studies. This includes both in-class lectures and practical experience that facilitate the learning process.

CAMNES and LdM have also established Field Schools that take place every summer, where students learn and actively participate in a professional archeological setting. Excavations are carried out at the Etruscan necropolis in Tuscania (Viterbo), which has recently become an Archaeological Park open to the public. The CAMNES field excavation in the Tuscania necropolis is partnered with the University of Florence where LdM students work alongside Italian archaeology students for a complete intercultural experience.

Through the LdM-CAMNES Programs, students have a rare opportunity to live in and experience the environment and culture of prominent Italian locations: Florence, Rome and Tuscania.

For more information read the CAMNES 2020 Brochure.