SEMITIC PHILOLOGY

Development of advanced reading and interpretative skills of epigraphic texts in Hatran Aramaic in both synchronic and diachronic perspectives (with specific focus on the relationships with Arabic); advanced knowledge of the most important issues related to the topic “Middle Aramaic” (Nabataean Aramaic, Hatran Aramaic, Palmyrene Aramaic); knowledge and critical comprehension of historical, social and cultural phenomena that took place in Northern Mesopotamia in the Parthian period (3rd cent. BC - 3rd cent. AD).

Lessons will be taught in English. The course aims at the development of advanced reading and interpretative skills of epigraphic texts in Hatran Aramaic in both synchronic and diachronic perspectives (with specific focus on the relationships with Arabic); advanced knowledge of the most important issues related to the topic “Middle Aramaic” (Nabataean Aramaic, Hatran Aramaic, Palmyrene Aramaic); knowledge and critical comprehension of historical, social and cultural phenomena that took place in Northern Mesopotamia in the Parthian period (3rd cent. BC - 3rd cent. AD).

1) Hatra, the city of the Sun God (1 CFU): history of scholarship, Hatran Aramaic, Hatran Aramaic in the late-antique Aramaic continuum.

2) Hatran epigraphy: an anthology (5 CFU): translation and analysis of a selection of Hatran inscriptions of various kinds.

Lessons will be taught in English.

- K. Beyer, Die aramäischen Inschriften aus Assur, Hatra und dem übrigen Ostmesopotamien, Vandenhoek & Ruprecht, Göttingen 1998. Reference book.

- J.F. Healey, Aramaic Inscriptions and Documents of the Roman Period, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009, pp. 1-51, 276-310.

- M. Moriggi, ‘Middle Aramaic: Outlines for a Definition’, in: L. BETTINI, P. LA SPISA P. (eds.), Au-delà de l'arabe standard. Moyen arabe et arabe mixte dans les sources médiévales, modernes et contemporaines - Atti del III Convegno AIMA. Proceedings of the 3rd AIMA Symposium, Dipartimento di Linguistica, Firenze 2012, pp. 279-289.

- F.A. Pennacchietti, ‘Benedizione o maledizione? A proposito dell’iscrizione aramaica n. 24 di Hatra (Iraq)’, «Folia Orientalia» 16 (1975), pp. 57-64.

- F.A. Pennacchietti, ‘Tre note di epigrafia hatrena’, «Mesopotamia» 23 (1988), pp. 43-61.

Please remember that in compliance with art 171 L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or journals, only 15% of their content can be copied.

For further information on sanctions and regulations concerning photocopying please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO - Associazione Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle opere dell’ingegno (the Italian Association on Copyright).

All the books listed in the programs can be consulted in the Library.

Part of the bibliography and additional course material will be provided by the professor via STUDIUM UNICT web portal.