Archaeological Research in Italy during the last Eight Years

• Published in: The Journal of Hellenic studies 1896-11, Vol.16, p.120-142
• Main Author: von Duhn, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Archaeological mapping; Archaeology; Cities; Cremation; Excavations; Graves; Tombs; Towns; Treatises
• ISSN: 0075-4269; 2041-4099
• DOI: 10.2307/623942

Eight years ago, I had the honour of speaking at the Philologists' Convention at Zürich on the methods aims and materials of archaeological research in Italy. A summary of work, both prospective and retrospective was then not inappropriate, for we stood at a point of transition. With the altered constitution of the Archäologisches Institut, the death of Henzen and the retirement of Helbig one epoch had come to an end, and we had reason to suppose that the new period would present many features of difference. Until the unification of Italy there could be no question of a thorough scientific and consistent investigation of the country. Even the Istituto di Corrispondenza archeologia, the only scientific body whose activity was not confined within the bounds of a single state, found itself so hampered by want of means and the hindrances arising from the bad condition of communications, that all it could do was to contribute a meagre report of discoveries made in the limited area including Rome itself, Southern Etruria, where excavations were undertaken by the Papal government and private persons, and Pompeii, where under the Naples government work was slowly proceeding. In other districts excavation either fell entirely into neglect or took the form of secret and irresponsible plunder.