Coordinator
Prof. Gianfranco Agosti
email: gianfranco.agosti@unipi.it
Administrative seat
Department of Philology, Literature and Linguistics
Project description
This PhD programme is rooted in the fundamental unity of methods and objectives that characterises research on the ancient world in Tuscany. Building on the legacy of previous PhD programmes at the Universities of Pisa, Florence, and Siena, it aims to provide advanced training on original topics through innovative theoretical and practical tools, in order to develop the research on the ancient world, promote cultural heritage, and preserve historical memory.
The collaboration between the three universities reinforces and further enhances the strong international profile already established by previous PhD programmes. This is achieved through the involvement of international scholars—both as members of the Academic Board and as lecturers—as well as through student mobility abroad, teaching activities conducted in English and other languages (French, Spanish, German), recognition of the Doctor Europaeus qualification, and co-supervision of theses with foreign universities. These collaborations ensure meaningful international engagement with leading institutions in research related to the ancient world, such as the École Pratique des Hautes Études, Universität Köln, Universität Würzburg, Université Côte d’Azur, Université de Toulouse Jean Jaurès, Université Grenoble Alpes, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Université Paul-Valéry de Montpellier, Université d’Aix-Marseille, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Université de Lyon, Universität Hamburg, École Normale Supérieure, Université de Strasbourg, Sorbonne Université, Collège de France, and the University of Oxford.
The programme is divided into two curricula: Archaeology and Classical Philology. The research areas involved clearly reflect an interdisciplinary approach, encompassing CUN Areas 6, 10, and 11, as well as ERC domains SH2, SH3, SH4, SH5, and SH6. Each academic year includes accredited seminars, research activities, internships, and placements in institutions specialising in ancient world studies, within structured exchange agreements and partnerships.
The programme maintains active collaborations for internships and training placements with:
- ISPC CNR – The CNR’s interdisciplinary hub for cultural heritage research, innovation, training, and data transfer, involving over 180 researchers and technicians and connected to international expert networks.
- National Central Library of Florence – Promotes its collections through collaborative initiatives with foreign institutions and opens its research and educational spaces to students from partner universities.
- Italian Archaeological School at Athens – The only Italian archaeological institute abroad, under the supervision of MIC and MUR. It supports research on Greece and neighbouring cultural areas from prehistory to the Byzantine period, and is active in archaeology, art history, topography, epigraphy, numismatics, religious studies, architecture, literature, and philosophy.
- Florentine Museum and Institute of Prehistory – A centre for archaeological research and advanced training, with a focus on prehistory.
- “G. Vitelli” Institute of Papyrology – Holds thousands of Greek, Latin, Demotic, Coptic, and Arabic papyri, and organises research and training seminars. It provides essential support for doctoral research and fosters skill development through targeted training sessions.
- Centre d’Études sur la Pensée Antique “Kairos kai Logos” (France) – Offers scientific collaboration on the interpretation of cultural processes in the classical and imperial periods, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean. Special attention is given to the Nachleben of ancient thought in contemporary philosophy.
- British School at Rome – A UK-based research institute that promotes cultural exchange and supports doctoral training with contributions from UK and Commonwealth scholars and artists. It facilitates international interdisciplinary exchange and offers strong placement opportunities and active partnerships in higher education.
Course objectives
This PhD programme, supported by a teaching board composed of scholars from both Italian and international universities, awards scholarships through competitive selection to highly qualified candidates in the fields of ancient studies and archaeology. Over the three-year programme, candidates benefit from a rich and interdisciplinary educational offering designed to be both rigorous and flexible. The course promotes a shared vision of research in ancient studies, aiming to train scholars capable of addressing original topics with advanced and innovative theoretical and methodological tools. Through the integration of previous doctoral programmes from the Universities of Florence, Pisa, and Siena—programmes aligned in methodology and research perspective—the PhD fosters the development of researchers equipped to study the past, preserve memory, and enhance cultural heritage.
The programme also seeks to strengthen the already significant level of internationalisation achieved by previous doctoral initiatives, through the participation of international faculty members, the inclusion of foreign students, international research activities, study periods abroad, courses and seminars delivered in English and other languages (French, Spanish, German), and joint thesis supervision with foreign universities. These features also support the awarding of the Doctor Europaeus title.
Curricula
• Anthropology of the Ancient World
• Archaeology
• Classical Philology
Scientific-disciplinary areas
Classical Archaeology
Christian and Medieval Archaeology
Aegean Civilisations
Etruscology and Italic Antiquities
Classical Philology
Greek Language and Literature
Latin Language and Literature
Archaeological Research Methodologies
Prehistory and Protohistory
History of Medicine
History of Religions
Greek History
Roman History
Ancient Topography
Website
https://www.fileli.unipi.it/scienze-antichita-e-archeologia/
