Advancement of Archaeology in the late

19th and early 20th Century Evolution of archaeological methodology in the 19th

and 20th centuries. Political influences on the advancement of archaeology New technological and scientific advancement in archaeology

Giuseppe Fiorelli, Vittorio Spinazzola, Amedeo Maiuri.

1860-1960 – the beginning of a more scientific approach to the excavation of both towns.

Royal links with archaeology challenged in the early 19th century.

Introduction of uniformed systems of excavation – equal division of topography, labelling, numbering and recording of sites and finds.

Beginning of stratigraphic techniques Introduction of plaster casting Careful and extensive documentation, including

cataloguing finds Introduction of archaeology schools on site

Giuseppe Fiorelli 1860-1875. Cohesive and systematic approach to

excavation. Effectively controlled the publication of the results

of his digs. Brought more visitors to site Introduced an on-site teaching program

especially for Pompeii and Herculaneum First to introduce a uniformed numbering and

naming system by dividing the topography of each site.

Organised a skilled team to use a systematic dig so no area would be left out.

Excavated each building and worked upon it until it was wholly uncovered, collecting data to help restore them to their former glory.

Introduced the plaster casting system, by injecting liquid plaster into victims to get a complete clear picture of the corpse.

Insisted that each team worker recorded every find in diaries and log books.

Sought to reconstruct the history of the site

Vittorio Spinazzola 1910-23 Interests lay in the town’s planning structure – therefore he

excavated sections of the town in complete. Adopted a more unified approach to unveiling the town. He discovered the shops, workshops, graffiti and wall paintings. He was meticulous in his methods of reconstructing buildings in the

main town centre. He excavated beyond just the find which led to the discovery of

important mansions, extensive gardens and town amenities He faced criticism in his methods, some argued that by

concentrating on unearthing the frontages only it led to them collapsing under the weight of the earth behind.

Under the Fascist reign of Mussolini he was forced to retire in 1923, however he had by this stage made a huge contribution to the unearthing of Pompeii.

Amedeo Maiuri 1924-61 Known as the most productive, determined and

controversial director Pompeii has had Most productive period of excavation during the Fascist

regime – huge funds given to the expedition by the government.

He towed the political line with Mussolini to ensure funds and support would help excavation at Pompeii.

His methods and interests led to the excavation of some of the more glorious monuments such as House of Menander.

He specialised in the physical evidence of the economic and social aspects of the town, enabling him to write a social history of it – rich and poor.

During the war Pompeii suffered serious damage from allied bombs, but only put digging until 1947.

Some criticised his methods – excavations some said where rushed, and he didn’t properly restore and protect some of the buildings he unearthed.

Some argue his documentation lacked detail and scientific precision.

Some said his writings on the social aspect of Pompeian life was anecdotal rather than statistical and he made false assumptions on the particular areas of life.