I Semiti d’Africa: la rappresentazione di Cartagine nella storiografia e nella cultura italiana d’inizio Novecento

Abstract

The representation of Carthage in early twentieth-century Italian culture is analysed through the reading of works by scholars of Roman history, and a selection of writings not specifically belonging to academic production, but which responded to much broader dissemination purposes. A central historical segment was subordinated to imperialistic ambitions and visions of racial superiority. The reinterpretation of the history of Rome, identified or seen in continuum with that of Italy, was implemented by the nationalism of the Fascist period on the occasion of the African adventures. The investigation focuses on the developments of ancient reflection, the peculiar visions of individual scholars in their time, the political use of the Rome myth.