Index # 16608
Will Count Towards Classics MAJOR
Will Count Towards Classics MINOR
This seminar examines Fascist appropriation and misappropriation of Roman history, art, literature, architecture, and archaeology, especially in the city of Rome, but throughout the Italian peninsula and the short-lived Italian empire, with the focus on the years 1922-1943. The focus is especially on Mussolini’s casting about in the past to shape his public image, first as Julius Caesar but eventually as the 20th century’s answer to Augustus, the founder of the Roman empire. The Fascist regime’s dual emphasis on restoring ancient monuments and building new monumental complexes will receive close attention. The seminar will utilize an array of sources to understand the main developments in the era, including small media and ephemera (postage stamps, coins, medallions, postcards, school notebooks), and—especially important—contemporary newsreel footage culled from the ca. 4,000 hours now available on the Cinecittà Luce website.
About Professor Brennan
[instructor bio]