Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Past as Inspiration
During the Renaissance, a period in which ancient Rome was hailed as the high point of
Western civilisation, these symbols inspired a whole generation of artists and architects.
Bramante, Michelangelo and Raphael modelled their work on classical precedents as they
helped rebuild Rome as the capital of the Catholic Church.
But more than anyone, it was Italy's 20th-century fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini,
who invoked the glories of ancient Rome. Mussolini spared no effort in his attempts to
identify his fascist regime with imperial Rome - he made Rome's traditional birthday, 21
April, an official fascist holiday, he printed stamps with images of ancient Roman emper-
ors and he commissioned archaeological digs to unearth further proof of Roman might.
His idealisation of the Roman Empire underpinned much of his colonialist ideology.
Nowadays, the myth of Rome is used less as a rallying cry and more as an advertising
tool - and with some success. However cynical and world-weary you are, it's difficult to
deny the thrill of seeing the Colosseum for the first time or of visiting the Palatino, the hill
where Romulus is said to have founded the city.
On 31 October 2012, the Church's top brass met in the Sistine Chapel to celebrate the 500th anniversary
of Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes.
