The course aims to develop a general knowledge of the production of manuscript evidence (mainly, but not exclusively, Latin) from Antiquity to the advent of printing, with constant attention to the areas of circulation, conservation and the changes undergone in relation to historical contexts and circumstances. The interest of manuscript production as a material vehicle of knowledge, but also as an indispensable tool and source for studies in archaeology and art history will be illustrated. The teaching also aims to raise students' awareness of the issues of the protection and enhancement of manuscript heritage, based on the adoption of correct practices of description and preventive conservation.
Specifically, the module aims to provide:
(a) basic historical knowledge of materials and manufacturing techniques of manuscript testimonies (with specific attention to the evolution and, where possible, to the geographical distribution of the different practices)
b) basic notions on book, documentary and epigraphic typologies; modes and contexts of production, circulation and conservation.