The excavations of Pompeii: How Caroline Murat’s Passion and Napoleonic Influence Sparked a Renaissance

Caroline Murat: A Visionary Leader

Caroline Murat, born Maria Annunziata Carolina Bonaparte, was a prominent figure in the early 19th century. As the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte and Queen of Naples, she wielded considerable influence in the political and cultural spheres of her time.

Known for her sharp intellect and diplomatic acumen, Caroline played a pivotal role in the administration of Naples. Her tenure as Queen saw numerous reforms aimed at modernizing the kingdom and fostering art and science.

Her dedication to cultural preservation and archaeological exploration was exemplified through her investment in the systematic excavation of Pompeii. Caroline’s efforts not only revitalized the historical site but also underscored the importance of heritage and history in understanding modern civilization.

Her legacy as a patron of the arts and a catalyst for the reawakening of Pompeii remains influential to this day.

Caroline’s Passion for Antiquity, Napoleonic Context and the excavations of Pompeii

Personal Interest and Frequent Visits

Caroline Murat, deeply fascinated by antiquity, found herself drawn to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Despite her limited formal education, her interest in history grew significantly during her time in Naples. She frequently visited the excavation sites, overseeing and participating in the unearthing of the city.

Caroline’s Daughter’s Memoirs and Letters

Some years later, Caroline Murat’s daughter wrote in her memoirs about her mother’s profound interest in the excavations of Pompeii. Despite Caroline’s limited formal education, this endeavor became a significant part of her life.

In a letter from 1864, her daughter described how Caroline “occupied herself passionately with the excavations of Pompeii” and had even obtained permission from the king for soldiers to assist in the efforts. Caroline directed and oversaw the excavation herself, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to restoring the ancient city from its volcanic tomb.

In another letter from 1867, her daughter recalled how the royal family and their guests were captivated by the excavation activities. They frequently witnessed the digs and often dined among the ruins. These occasions were described as “artistic fêtes” that enchanted all who attended.

Caroline herself would take found objects, such as coins and jewels, back to her apartments in Naples, further displaying her deep engagement and personal connection with the archaeological site.

Influence on Local and European Perceptions

Caroline’s active engagement in the excavations sparked renewed local interest and attracted the attention of the European elite. Her passion and presence on-site lent credibility and importance to the efforts, encouraging a broader appreciation for Pompeii’s cultural and historical significance.

The European elite, inspired by Caroline’s enthusiasm, began to see Pompeii not merely as a site of ancient ruins but as a treasure trove of history that deserved preservation and study.

Napoleonic Influence on Naples

From 1806 to 1815, Naples was under Napoleonic control, first under Joseph Bonaparte and later Joachim Murat. Both rulers, alongside Caroline, played pivotal roles in promoting cultural and archaeological projects.

Joseph Bonaparte’s enthusiasm for Pompeii was evident from his early visits and regulatory proclamations, while the Murats infused the excavation efforts with energy and resources, driving the projects forward.

Financial and Administrative Support

Funding Excavations of Pompeii

Caroline Murat invested significant financial resources into the excavations of Pompeii. She channeled royal funds and secured additional resources to ensure rapid progress. Her ambition was clear—to unveil the ancient city within a few years.

This substantial financial commitment was essential for the large-scale operations needed to uncover Pompeii. Similarly, under Napoleonic rule, considerable resources were allocated to support cultural projects, reflecting the regime’s recognition of their importance.

Organizational Efforts

Caroline’s contributions extended beyond finances. She demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, securing permission for soldiers to assist with the excavations of Pompeii, ensuring a steady workforce.

Her hands-on approach meant she often directed and oversaw the activities herself, making sure everything was conducted efficiently. Joseph Bonaparte and Joachim Murat also implemented administrative measures to regulate excavation practices and the treatment of finds, further supporting the archaeological endeavors.

Cultural and Archaeological Impact

Caroline’s Letter to the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Even after the end of her regency, Caroline Murat continued to play an active role in public affairs, particularly in the field of archaeology. On April 28, 1813, she conveyed her dissatisfaction to the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the lack of communication about the progress at Pompeii.

In her letter, Caroline explicitly stated her expectation to be informed immediately of any promising developments.

She wrote, “I made known my desire that as soon as the appearance of the land or buildings at Pompeii should indicate or promise some interesting discovery, all work should be immediately suspended at that spot, being limited to preparing and clearing the environs so as not to continue digging except in my presence.”

Her insistence was not arbitrary; already in November 1808, measures were put in place to meet her demands. Excavation efforts were strategically prepared so that she could witness key digs firsthand, ensuring she was not disappointed.

This level of involvement underscored her deep commitment to overseeing the archaeological activities and demonstrated her influential position in ensuring that discoveries were conducted under her watchful eye.

Caroline’s proactive stance in archaeology highlighted her authoritative presence in the field, reinforcing her dedication to uncovering and preserving the historical heritage of Pompeii.

This approach not only emphasized the importance she placed on personal oversight but also reflected her broader influence on the administrative and procedural aspects of archaeological work during the Napoleonic period.

Influence on Art and Archaeology

The discoveries made under Caroline Murat’s patronage had a profound impact on the fields of art and archaeology. These findings were meticulously documented and published, providing a wealth of knowledge for future scholars.

The first systematic guides to Pompeii, including the works by French architect François Mazois, were produced during this period. These publications offered detailed accounts of the architectural and artistic treasures uncovered, enhancing Pompeii’s reputation as a center of cultural heritage.

The First Systematic Guides to Pompeii

The first systematic guides to Pompeii emerged during Caroline Murat’s involvement with the excavations, reflecting the thorough and scholarly approach taken during this period. One of the most notable contributions was made by François Mazois, a French architect who meticulously documented the site’s architectural and artistic discoveries.

His work, “Les Ruines de Pompéi,” published in multiple volumes between 1812 and 1838, provided an unprecedented detailed account of the excavations of Pompeii. Mazois’ guides included comprehensive illustrations and descriptions of the ruins, helping to shed light on Pompeii’s streets, buildings, frescoes, and daily life.

These publications not only enhanced the understanding of Pompeian architecture and culture but also established a methodological framework for future archaeological endeavors.

The systematic nature of these guides underscored the scientific rigor applied to the study of Pompeii, ensuring that the knowledge gathered could be accurately preserved and disseminated to both the academic community and the general public.

Shifts in Archaeological Perspective

Under Caroline’s direction, there was a notable shift from mere artifact collection to understanding the historical context of the site. This comprehensive approach provided a holistic view of ancient Pompeian life, contributing significantly to academic and public knowledge.

The Napoleonic administration also promoted systematic excavation and detailed documentation, furthering this shift in perspective.

Lasting Legacy

As Napoleon’s sister who was the closest to him, Caroline had become a major figure in Paris before moving to Naples. Furthermore, with excellent contacts in the imperial administration and (in the words of her daughter) ‘energy and talents much above those of her sex’, Caroline was more dominant in Naples than her husband.

Her personality had a lasting impact upon Pompeii. Caroline’s tenacity and influence shaped the excavation and preservation processes that unveiled Pompeii to the world. Her unique position allowed her to marshal resources and direct focus on archaeological endeavors, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in the field.

Through her efforts, the historical narratives and cultural appreciation of Pompeii were significantly enriched, leaving an indelible mark on both the academic community and broader public consciousness. Her leadership and vision not only propelled the excavations forward but also set a precedent for systematic and scholarly approaches to archaeology.

Conclusion

Caroline Murat’s dedication and Napoleonic influence revived the excavations of Pompeii through financial support, organization, and direct involvement, advancing archaeology and public appreciation of ancient history.

This cultural renaissance shows the importance of individual passion and supportive political frameworks in preserving heritage. Their legacy continues to inspire archaeologists, historians, and enthusiasts, highlighting the value of engaging with our past.