The Protection of Artistic and Architectural Heritage and the Role of Archaeology as Instrumentum Imperii during Italian Colonialism in Libya (1911-1943) – Interview with Massimiliano Munzi

Massimiliano Munzi is the author of numerous essays, including the book L’epica del ritorno. Archeologia e politica nella Tripolitania italiana, in which he analyzes the relationship between archaeology and the political ideology that was the basis of Italian colonialist propagand. The exploitation of archaeology according to imperialist ambitions had a significant impact on the modus operandi adopted in archaeological missions, in restoration and consolidation works, in advertising, and in artistic heritage research in the conquered lands. In light of these considerations, this interview will focus on policies adopted by colonialist Italy in the context of safeguarding artistic and architectural heritage in Libya.