antiquity and modernity — used and abuses of the past

What does the phrase 'All history is necessarily contemporary' imply?

It suggests that studying history helps us understand and engage with the present.

Why were the study of Greeks and Romans considered the highest form of study by Italians?

Because they were regarded as the classics, embodying the ideals of 'western tradition'.

What were Edward Gibbon's contributions to the understanding of the Roman Republic?

Gibbon's work emphasized a thesis-driven argument and rigorous academic standards in his monumental work about the Roman Empire.

What is significant about 'A History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'?

It consists of six volumes published between 1776-1787, where Gibbon critically examined historical sources.

What led to Gibbon's perception of individual virtue in governance?

He believed that true republics require citizens to stake their community's welfare through property ownership.

Define Orientalism as explained by Edward Said.

Orientalism is a term describing the study and representation of the East as 'exotic' compared to the rational 'West'.

What were the three components of Orientalism identified by Said?

An academic field of study, the binary separation of East and West, and attitudes used to justify colonial domination.

What role did Egypt play in the European imagination during colonialism?

Egypt became the epicenter of Western interests and fantasies about the Orient.

What was the significance of 'Description de l’Egypte'?

It was a 23-volume work published from 1809-1828 documenting the scientific knowledge gained during Napoleon's invasion.

How did European powers view and treat Egyptian antiquities?

Many Egyptian artifacts were taken to European museums, such as the British Museum and the Louvre, often viewed through a colonial lens.

What does the term Romanita refer to in fascist ideology?

Romanita denotes a spiritual destiny to recreate and surpass the greatness of ancient Roman civilization.

Who was Benito Mussolini and how did he relate to ancient Rome?

Mussolini was the fascist leader who aspired to be seen as a modern-day Augustus, a unifier of Roman heritage.

What is the purpose of propaganda in the context of fascism?

It aims to disseminate distorted ideas to alter public attitudes.

What existential crisis are the classics facing in the 21st century according to modern critiques?

The crisis stems from issues of accessibility, diversity, and the colonial legacy associated with the study of classics.

What does the association of classics with colonialism imply for the discipline today?

It suggests that classical studies may be viewed as reflecting colonial ideologies that perpetuated exclusion and lack of representation.

Who is Dan-El Padilla Peralta and what is his perspective on classics?

An undocumented immigrant and scholar, he argues that classics are intrinsically linked to violence and whiteness, suggesting an urgent need for a reevaluation.

What does the phrase 'Burn it Down' signify in the context of modern classical studies?

It reflects a radical critique of traditional classical studies in favor of deconstructing its foundational assumptions.

Why was the understanding of Egyptian art contrasted with Greek art in the 19th century?

British perspectives valued Greek art for aesthetics while degrading Egyptian art, viewing it as lesser.

How did the 19th century contribute to the development of racial pseudoscience regarding Egypt?

There were claims that Egyptian mummies weren't truly African, exemplifying the period's racial biases.

What does the term 'othering' refer to in the study of the East?

It describes the process of depicting Eastern cultures as fundamentally different and inferior, serving colonial narratives.