Archaeology of Urbanism

Module code: AR3604

It is estimated that by 2050, almost 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities – but what is it that makes a city, and how have people changed and adapted to urban living? Archaeology is well-placed to examine a range of information about towns and cities in the past, and the populations that lived within them.

The module makes use of a range of case studies to consider the material basis of key components of urban life in different times and places. The result is a thematic rather than chronological approach that addresses not only the development (and impact) of urban physical form in the past, but also evidence for elites and the poor in towns and cities, trade and traders, religion in urban areas, and in sacred cities. The archaeology of urban areas is explored not only to understand the physical evidence for towns and cities themselves, but also to learn about how people would have lived and interacted within them.

This module is delivered through a series of pre-recorded lectures, guided readings, and self-assessment exercises, so you can track your own progress as you work through the material. Assessment for this module includes a site biography and a research essay.