Bourbon Era Excavations of Pompeii

The Significance of the Bourbon Return

The return of the Bourbon monarchy to Naples in 1815 marked a pivotal moment for Bourbon era excavations of Pompeii. After years of political upheaval, the Bourbons sought to re-establish their authority and cultural dominance.

Pompeii, with its rich historical and cultural significance, became a focal point for these ambitions. The Bourbon rulers continued many excavation practices initiated during the Napoleonic era, using them to bolster their political and cultural standing.

Continuing Napoleonic Practices

Staging Bourbon era excavations of Pompeii for Distinguished Visitors

Upon their return, the Bourbons maintained the practice of staging spectacular excavations for distinguished visitors. These events were more than mere entertainment; they were strategic displays of power and cultural wealth.

Imagine being an heir apparent or a royal guest, witnessing firsthand the unearthing of ancient artifacts, and then being invited to take these treasures home. Such practices were designed to impress and forge political alliances.

Gifts to Visitors as Diplomatic Tools

Such gifts are meticulously recorded in the excavation journals. For instance, in 1828, the heir apparent to Prussia was presented with a small circular vase of bronze with silver inlay, a bronze coin, a spindle of bone, twelve pieces of glass, and a terracotta cup.

Similarly, in 1829, other significant finds were gifted to Grand Duchess Elena of Russia and the King of Bavaria. These deliberate acts of generosity were more than mere gestures of goodwill; they were meticulously planned diplomatic tools aimed at fostering international relations and consolidating power.

Publication Efforts During the Bourbon Era

Disseminating Knowledge Through Publications

The Bourbon period was marked by a significant emphasis on publishing excavation findings. Between 1824 and 1857, sixteen volumes of the Real Museo Borbonico were published, providing detailed accounts of the discoveries at Pompeii.

These publications played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about Pompeii’s archaeological treasures and elevating its status in academic and cultural circles.

Notable Publications

Among the notable works from this era are Gell and Gandy’s Pompeiana (1817–19) and Henry Wilkins’ Suite de vues pittoresques des ruines de Pompeii (1819). These publications offered detailed descriptions, illustrations, and picturesque views of the ruins, capturing the imagination of readers and further enhancing Pompeii’s allure.

The Role of Academic and Cultural Prestige

The emphasis on publishing detailed accounts of the Bourbon era excavations of Pompeii underscored the Bourbons’ commitment to academic excellence and cultural prestige. By making these findings accessible to a broader audience, they ensured that Pompeii remained a subject of fascination and scholarly interest.

Tourism and Visitor Numbers Post-Napoleon

The Initial Rush of Visitors

The defeat of Napoleon and the subsequent reopening of the Continent to British travelers led to an influx of visitors to Italy, particularly to Naples and Pompeii. The initial rush of visitors following Napoleon’s defeat did not wane; instead, it marked the beginning of a sustained increase in traveler numbers.

The Growth of International Tourism

By the 1840s and 1850s, significant numbers of Americans began visiting Italy, facilitated by regular steamship services across the Atlantic. In 1837, Naples hosted as many as 7,000 foreign visitors. This growing influx of international tourists underscored Pompeii’s global appeal and its significance as a cultural and historical destination.

Notable Visitors and Their Impact

Many of these visitors were distinguished royal personages, such as the Dowager Queen Adelaide of England, who visited Pompeii in November 1838. Parts of the excavation site were even named in her honor, reflecting the continued practice of linking excavation efforts with notable guests and highlighting the site’s importance to international audiences.

Infrastructure Improvements Facilitating Tourism

Development of Transportation Networks

The 1830s brought several key changes in transportation that made Italy more accessible to international travelers. Napoleon’s Grande Route Militaire over the Simplon Pass was complemented by new roads supporting wheeled traffic over the St Bernard, St Gotthard, and Brenner Passes.

These infrastructure improvements reduced the discomfort and dangers of crossing the Alps, making travel to Italy more appealing.

Introduction of Steamship Services

A regular steamship service began operating between Marseilles and Naples, further enhancing accessibility for international travelers. The steamship services facilitated faster and more reliable travel, contributing to the steady increase in visitor numbers to Pompeii.

The First Railway Line in Italy

Encouraged by Ferdinand II, the construction of Italy’s first railway line from Naples to Granatello in 1839 and its extension to Pompeii in 1844 marked a significant milestone in transportation. This railway line not only improved accessibility but also represented the Bourbons’ commitment to modernizing infrastructure to support tourism and cultural exploration.

The Role of Distinguished Visitors in Pompeii’s Archaeology

Visits from Royal and Distinguished Guests

The Bourbon era excavations in Pompeii continued to attract notable visitors, whose presence often influenced ongoing work at the site. Distinguished guests, including royalty and prominent figures from around the world, were given special access, and their visits were often commemorated by naming parts of the excavation after them.

Specific Instances of Distinguished Visits

In honor of the Dowager Queen Adelaide of England’s visit in 1838, parts of the excavation site were named after her. The “House of Queen Adelaide of England” and the “Alley of the Queen’s Excavation” are examples of how these visits left a lasting imprint on the archaeological record, highlighting the site’s global significance.

The Influence of International Visitors

The last decades of Bourbon rule saw an even more diverse array of visitors, including American writers and poets such as William Cullen Bryant, James Fenimore Cooper, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Herman Melville. These visits underscored Pompeii’s importance as a cultural and historical site, attracting intellectuals and artists from around the world.

Conclusion

The Bourbon era excavations of Pompeii left a lasting mark on the archaeological legacy. By enhancing Napoleonic excavation practices, the Bourbons ensured Pompeii remained a cultural and historical focal point.

Their publishing efforts, infrastructure improvements, and the influx of international visitors boosted the site’s prestige. The blend of politics, tourism, and archaeology during this period reinforced Pompeii’s status as an ancient history treasure, leaving a significant impact on our cultural heritage.