This course will focus on how the modern disciplines of archaeology, architecture and engineering must interact to preserve the cultural heritage. The study of the ancient remains and their transmission to future generations depend on a combination of small- and large-scale operations, ranging from the documentation and preservation of single objects and architectural elements, to the interpretation and reconstruction of the ancient landscape and environment.

The course will focus on the ancient Egyptian architecture, and will be divided into five parts:

1. Introduction to the course and definitions
2. Evolution of the modern perception of ancient Egyptian architecture
3. The relationship between architecture and landscape in ancient Egypt
4. Case study: the Egyptian pyramids
5. Conclusions and perspectives

Part I represents the introduction of the course: we will define the boundaries, the terminology and the chronology of the events that we shall deal with.

In Part II, we shall focus on the evolution of the modern perception of the ancient Egyptian monuments, which influenced the not only their study, but also the conservation and restoration techniques that were adopted to preserve them.

In Part III, we will analyse the relationship between architecture and landscape in ancient Egypt, the importance of landscape archaeology and the necessity to set the ancient monuments into a broader physical context in order to fully understand them.

Part IV will be dedicated to the case-study: the ancient Egyptian pyramids. Examples of high engineering skills combined with apparently simple geometry and complex religious symbolism, constructed by taking advantage of the local environment and built to be part of a landscape.After a historical introduction and a brief discussion of the symbolic meaning of these monuments, the course will focus on their geometry, on their different building techniques, and on the organisation of the construction sites.

Part V will correspond to the conclusions of the course, to a summary and to the perspectives in terms of research and professional activities.

General aim of the course is to encourage the students to take an interdisciplinary approach to the subject of management of cultural heritage, by highlighting the importance of combining different expertise to fully understand the ancient architecture.

The final exam will consist of an oral test, consisting of:

• theoretical questions on the topics covered by the programme
• questions intended to reveal the student's ability to connect the various topics covered in the programme with one another and with previous studies

The aim of the final test is to evaluate not only the knowledge and understanding of the subjects treated during the course, but also the students' ability to integrate this information into their approach to the comprehension and management of cultural heritage.

The lectures will consist of a part of formal lecture and a substantial and articulated part of interactive discussion: for this reason, attendance to classes is highly recommended. Slides and any additional bibliographical material will be available to all students. Non-attending students will be requested to undergo the same exam as attending students.

available as hardback, paperback and ebook

First edition: 1999

First edition: 1876