The Allied Bombing of Central Italy: The Restoration of the Nile Mosaic and Sanctuary of Fortuna at Palestrina

The Allied Bombing of Central Italy explores the impact of the Second World War Allied bombing campaign on Palestrina and Rome, Italy, and the long-term effects on the town and the Barberini family's art collection, including the Nile Mosaic. The bombing uncovered a pagan temple, the Sanctuary of Fortuna, and revealed the ancient structure buried beneath it. The book also examines the Mussolini regime's pressure to control the family's art collection, the use of cultural materials for propaganda purposes, the Allied use of airpower in the Italian theater of war, and the postwar decision-making and recovery process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Allied Bombing of Central Italy delves into the profound consequences of the Second World War Allied bombing campaign on the cities of Palestrina and Rome, Italy. It explores the enduring impact of the war on the picturesque mountainside town and the remarkable Barberini family's art collection, which includes the renowned Nile Mosaic. The book delves into the rich history and cultural significance of Palestrina, its strategic location, the arduous journey of its recovery, the meticulous restoration of the Nile Mosaic, which stands as the largest surviving Egyptian-style mosaic in the world.

One remarkable aspect of the destruction was the discovery of a pagan temple, the Sanctuary of Fortuna. The bombing obliterated the homes constructed on its terraces, yet it unearthed the ancient structure that had remained hidden for half a millennium. It took over a decade of dedicated efforts to restore the mosaic and establish the Sanctuary of Fortuna as a national archeological museum.

The book sheds light on the intense pressure exerted by the Mussolini regime to control the Barberini family's art collection. It also delves into the strategic use of cultural materials for propaganda purposes by both the Allied forces and the Fascist regime. Furthermore, it examines the Allied deployment of airpower in the Italian theater of war, highlighting its pivotal role in the conflict.

The postwar decision-making and recovery process are also explored in depth, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by the affected communities. The book stands as one of the rare long-range studies that examine the war's impact on a single Italian town. It is an invaluable resource for academic seminars and a broad, educated general audience.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032494180