BROWN UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Pithekoussai: Archaeologies of the Greek Past
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
€64k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Founded by Euboeans in the 8th century BCE.Founding Date & People
- Strategic location for trade with Tuscany.Trade Significance
- Estimated population of 5,000-10,000.Population Estimate
- Discovery of Nestor's Cup.Key Artifact
- Debated status: Colony or Trading Post (Emporion).Scholarly Debate
This program delves into the archaeological significance of Pithekoussai, an ancient Greek settlement established on the island of Ischia off the coast of Italy. Founded in the 8th century BCE by Euboeans, its status as either a colony or a trading post is a subject of scholarly debate. Pithekoussai's strategic location facilitated access to vital copper and tin resources, suggesting its primary role as a commercial hub for poleis like Kalchedon and Eretria. Evidence also points to Levantine cultural influences, further supporting its function as an emporion, a "planned commercial enterprise" rather than a traditional colony with significant agricultural potential. Excavations at Pithekoussai, notably those by Giorgio Buchner in the 1950s, have revealed approximately 500 graves, offering insights into the colony's population, estimated between five to ten thousand individuals. The scale of the settlement, spanning 1 km and three times the size of contemporary Smyrna, is notable, yet its lack of apparent political organization has led scholars to refrain from classifying it as a polis. The discovery of Nestor's Cup is another significant find from the site. The prominence of Pithekoussai eventually waned as the nearby settlement of Cumae, founded by Pithekoussai's inhabitants as a more conventional colony, rose in importance. The decline of Pithekoussai is generally dated to around 725 BCE. Today, the island of Ischia is known for its volcanic mud baths.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the annual tuition and fees for international students?
- The Annual Tuition & Fees for the 2026-2027 academic year is $74,568. This includes tuition, various student fees, and the Student Health Insurance Plan.
- What is the estimated cost of attendance?
- The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is prepared annually by the Office of Financial Aid. Specific living costs are not detailed in the provided text.
- How do I apply to the Pithekoussai: Archaeologies of the Greek Past program?
- Prospective students apply to graduate programs at Brown University. For dual degree programs, you must apply to both Brown and RISD, with separate evaluations before joint consideration.
- Where should I direct financial aid inquiries?
- All payments and financial aid inquiries should be directed to Brown University.
- Does the university offer support for international students' English language skills?
- Yes, the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning offers an English Language Pre-Orientation Program (ELP) for incoming international graduate students to enhance their English language skills for academic success.
- What are the general entry requirements for graduate programs?
- Admission to doctoral or master's programs requires academic excellence, self-direction, and a collaborative learning style. The English Language Pre-Orientation Program (ELP) is recommended for international students to build confidence and skills for academic contexts.
Entry requirements
Brown University Graduate ProgramsAdmission to doctoral or master's programs requires academic excellence, self-direction, and a collaborative learning style. Faculty are committed to teaching and mentoring.
English Language Pre-Orientation Program (ELP)Recommended for incoming international graduate students for whom English is not a primary language, to build confidence and skills for academic contexts.
Brown University offers graduate programs in various fields. International students may benefit from the English Language Pre-Orientation Program.
Fees
Tuition (international)Annual Tuition & Fees (2026-2027): $74,568 (Tuition: $74,568; Undergraduate Student Activities Fee: $442; Undergraduate Student Resources Fee: $1,136; Student Recreation Fee: $110; Health Services Fee: $1,296; Academic Records Fee: $100; Student Health Insurance Plan: $5,283; RISD Academic & Technology Fee: $908; RISD Orientation Fee: $300).
Tuition (home)—
LivingEstimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is prepared annually by the Office of Financial Aid. Specific living costs are not detailed in the provided text.
All tuition and financial aid for Dual Degree students are based on Brown rates. Student account charges are billed per semester, except for the Student Health Insurance Plan which is billed annually.
How to apply
1. Application SubmissionSubmit applications to Brown University for graduate programs. For dual degree programs, apply to both Brown and RISD, with separate evaluations before joint consideration.
2. Financial Aid InquiryAll payments and financial aid inquiries should be directed to Brown University.
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual tuition and fees for international students?
+
The Annual Tuition & Fees for the 2026-2027 academic year is $74,568. This includes tuition, various student fees, and the Student Health Insurance Plan.
What is the estimated cost of attendance?
+
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is prepared annually by the Office of Financial Aid. Specific living costs are not detailed in the provided text.
How do I apply to the Pithekoussai: Archaeologies of the Greek Past program?
+
Prospective students apply to graduate programs at Brown University. For dual degree programs, you must apply to both Brown and RISD, with separate evaluations before joint consideration.
Where should I direct financial aid inquiries?
+
All payments and financial aid inquiries should be directed to Brown University.
Does the university offer support for international students' English language skills?
+
Yes, the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning offers an English Language Pre-Orientation Program (ELP) for incoming international graduate students to enhance their English language skills for academic success.
What are the general entry requirements for graduate programs?
+
Admission to doctoral or master's programs requires academic excellence, self-direction, and a collaborative learning style. The English Language Pre-Orientation Program (ELP) is recommended for international students to build confidence and skills for academic contexts.