The history of Arab societies in antiquity presents particular difficulties to the historian as a result of the nature of the sources. The terms ‘Arab’ and ‘Arabia’ occur frequently in Assyrian, neo-Babylonian, Persian and classical sources but there is little agreement between these sources as to what precisely is referred to by the terms. The cities and tribes that are referred to in inscriptions and ostraca are examined and discussed. In addition, biblical references to ‘Arabs’ and ‘Arabia’ provide an important topic for discussion. The wider social, economic and political significance of Arab control of trade routes and their monopoly of the spice trade is explored. The Qederites (Nabateans) and the Lihyanites provide case studies.

Lecturer

Anne Fitzpatrick-McKinley, Assistant Professor

How to apply

Applications can be made in person on Wednesday, 19 September 2012, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the Department of Near and Middle Eastern Studies, room 5037, level 5 of the Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2 or by post before Friday, 11 January 2013.

Fee

€150 for the course. For security reasons payment should be by cheque/draft/postal money order only, made payable to Trinity College no. 1 account. A concession rate is available to second and third level students, unemployed persons and those in receipt of a social welfare pension.

Date

Teaching in Hilary term commences during the week beginning 14 January 2013. Please note this is a day-time course.

Duration

The course runs for a total of eleven weeks in Hilary term.

Further information

Contact: Zuleika Rodgers, Department of Near and Middle Eastern Studies, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2. Phone: 01 896 2229, email: rodgersz@tcd.ie