There is no text for this seminar - a good guide book, available at the PX, is recommended. Notes will be distributed in class.

A study of the history and art of Pisa from the pre-Etruscan period to the Roman Empire, the conquest by the Medici, and Italian independence. Assignments include advanced reading and research. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH 199T or ARTH 489T.

After completing this seminar, you will be able to identify the most important periods in Italian history: Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and the Crusades, Renaissance and Rebirth of Italy, as well as the art of these periods.

Pisa, one of the great Maritime states in the Medieval Mediterranean traces its origins to pre-Roman Italy. Indeed , even before Pisa was the centre for the Roman navy, it was an Etruscan city. As the centre for the Roman navy, it was a very important city but its influenced waned with the fall of the Roman empire. Pisa rose again to new glory as Europe responded to the Arab threat to Italy and the Crusades were organized.

Then, with the Proto-Renaissance, Florence rose to power to the detriment of Pisa and with a few exceptions (for instance the achievements of Galileo) Pisa sank into relative obscurity.

The instructor is available for any questions you may have about the paper and will hand out a guide to help you write the paper.

The class will visit many sites in Pisa from the early Roman period through to the end of the Renaissance. These visits are an essential part of the class.

The paper will be 3-4 pages long and will deal with one aspect of the class, e.g., the Roman boats or the Cathedral, or Pisa's role in the Crusades.

In addition to class notes and handouts, students will need to use another source. Books on a variety of subjects pertaining to Pisa will be on reservation at the base library.

The paper is due July 2.

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC plagiarism policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/aa15025.shtml

Saturday 08:30-12:30

• Introduction to the class requirements
• The Origins of Pisa
• Pre-Roman Pisa
• Roman Pisa : A Naval Center for an Empire

12:30-13:15 Lunch break

13:15-18:00

• Medieval Pisa: The Melting Pot
• The Rise of the Maritime State and the Crusades
• The Building of Pisa: The Cathedral Complex
• The Rise of Florence and the Decline of Pisa
• Pisa and Italy
• Conclusions

18:00-18:30

• Visit to the S. Piero in Grado (one of the oldest churches in Pisa)

Sunday 08:30-13:00

• Visit of Pisa, The Early Churches: San Paolo in Ripa díArno, San Zeno, San Sepulchro, Santa Maria della Spina (the Holy Crown of Thorns), San Michele Arcangelo, Museum of San Matteo

13:30-14:15 Lunch break

14:15-18:15

• Visit of Cathedral, Baptistry, and Monumental Cemetery
• The Museum of Roman Boats (cargo of the boats and film)
• San Niccolò
• Optional Tour of the Tower of Pisa