Its Historical-Archaeological Heritage
6 hours of live online lecture, 4 hours of site visit and simulation, 1 hour review with online lecturer, Specific teaching materials, 1 hour online final test
This module offers a journey through the history, art, and archaeology of Naples, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the Mediterranean. Through two lessons of three hours each, participants will explore the origins of Neapolis, its evolution as a great cultural and political capital, and the extraordinary archaeological remains of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Capri. The course aims to provide a comprehensive view of Naples’ heritage, from its medieval fortifications to the masterpieces preserved in its museums, to the cities buried by the eruption of Vesuvius.
Contents
Lesson 1
Naples, History and Architecture between Castles and Palaces
This lesson introduces the historical and cultural context of Naples, from its Greek origins to the greatness of the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
From Origins to Modern Naples
- History of Neapolis: from the Greek foundation to Roman domination, through the medieval period and the Bourbon era.
- Naples as the capital: the role of the city over the centuries as the cultural, commercial, and political center of Southern Italy.
Palaces, Castles, and Museums: Naples between Art and History
- The great castles:
- Castel dell’Ovo, legendary fortress by the sea.
- Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), symbol of Angevin and Aragonese power.
- Castel Sant’Elmo, panoramic point over the city.
- Historical Palaces: including Palazzo Reale, residence of the Bourbons and the Spanish, and the lavish aristocratic residences.
- The Museums of Naples: a focus on the main cultural centers, including the Museo di Capodimonte, with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian.
- The Gems of the Gulf: Capri and Sorrento, historical and cultural destinations, always linked to the Neapolitan tradition.
Lesson 2
The Archaeological Heritage – Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Capri
This lesson is dedicated to the archaeological heritage of the region, with an in-depth look at the Roman cities buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and the treasures preserved in the museums of Naples.
National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN)
- The largest archaeological museum in Italy, home to unique collections, including:
- The sculptures of the Farnese Collection.
- The mosaics and frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
- The Egyptian section, one of the most important in Europe.
Pompeii and Herculaneum: The Cities Buried by Vesuvius
- Pompeii: the best-preserved Roman city in the world, with its streets, villas, frescoes, and the Forum.
- Herculaneum: an extraordinary site, with better-preserved buildings than Pompeii due to the volcanic ash covering them.
- Daily life in the Vesuvian cities, including frescoed domus, baths, theaters, and shops.
Capri: The Retreat of the Emperors
- The island of Capri, the preferred residence of Emperor Tiberius, who had his imperial villas built there, including the famous Villa Jovis.
- The Myth of Capri: from a retreat for the Roman aristocracy to an elite tourist destination.
Module Objective
At the end of the module, participants will have acquired a deep knowledge of the history, art, and archaeology of Naples and its territory, understanding the priceless value of its cultural heritage and learning how to convey it clearly and engagingly during guided tours.