1. Archaeology as Propaganda: Mussolini and the Myth of Romanità

2. Relationship between archaeology and nationalism
Artifacts are “culturally satisfying” and fuel national identity
Especially true for totalitarian governments that depend on unity
Case Study: Fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini
Used ancient Roman monuments to reconstruct Italian identity and prop up his own power
Urban consequences

3. Building a National Identity
Other European nation-states in 19th and early 20th centuries using archaeology for political agendas
Napoleon in France
British Museum
Nazi prehistoric archaeology
Even before Mussolini, Italy starting to construct collective memory on ancient Roman past
Risorgimento chose Rome as new capital
Saw prospect of unification in romanità
Started to clear space for thoroughfares, Roman monuments, Forum
Oversimplification of past beginning to take root in mind of Italians

4. Mussolini and the “Healing Pick”
Shaped classical Rome that is today
Projects intended to rid ancient monuments of “centuries of decadence”
Demolition projects manipulate Rome’s history, disproportionately emphasize antiquity
Mussolini’s regime controls through both force and visual propaganda
Link between glorious Roman past and fascist future, places fascism in Italy’s destiny
Likened Mussolini with greatness of Augustus

5. “Rome is our point of departure and reference; it is our symbol or, if you wish, our myth. We dream of a Roman Italy, that is wise and strong, disciplined and imperial. Much of what was the immortal spirit of Rome, resurges in Fascism: Rome is the Lictor, Roman is our organization of combat, Roman is our pride and courage.”
Mussolini, “Past and Future” speech at
Birthday of Rome celebration, 1922

6. Mausoleum of Augustus (1938)
“Preservation by isolation”
Demolished all post-Roman urban fabric surrounding the mausoleum
Renovated tomb to serve as temple to fascist values

11. Parade Route of Via dell’Impero
Carved path from Palazzo Venezia to Colosseum
Ancient ruins to provide backdrop for fascist military celebrations
In the process, destroyed 5000 housing units, 214,000 cubic feet of earth removed
Few records kept, excavations done haphazardly
Seductive link between ancient military glory and current fascist ideals

12. Other propagandizing acts:
Mostra Augustea della Romanita (Augustan Exhibition of Roman Civilization)
Museum of the Empire
Planned Esposizione Universal Romana (1942)

13. Selective preservation, dishonest to archaeological record
Urban Consequences
Selective preservation, dishonest to archaeological record
Almost no dissent from academic world
In scholars’ best interests to align with regime
Ignores Rome’s rich urban fabric
Early Christian period (churches)
Middle Ages’ residential settlement
Renaissance and Catholic Reformation
Papal government’s railway stations and factories
Sets up ancient Rome as urban utopia