Through the Eyes of Giuseppe Fiorelli: The rediscovery and the excavations

Early Career and Influences

Fiorelli’s Background in Numismatics and Law

Fiorelli was born in Naples in 1823. Initially, he studied numismatics—the study of coins and currency—and law. His academic background instilled in him a meticulous attention to detail and a deep appreciation for historical contexts.

Understanding numismatics gave Fiorelli a unique perspective on ancient economies, while his legal training helped him develop a systematic approach to problem-solving.

His Initial Roles in Naples Museum

Guiseppe Fiorelli’s journey at the Naples Museum began with his appointment as an assistant in the archaeological department. His exceptional organizational skills and profound historical knowledge quickly set him apart. Fiorelli not only catalogued artifacts with unparalleled accuracy but also advocated for their preservation and proper documentation.

His roles extended beyond mere administrative duties; he was actively involved in the arrangement and exhibition of the museum’s vast collection, ensuring that the artifacts were displayed in a way that maximized their educational potential.

Fiorelli’s innovative approach and commitment to excellence soon garnered the respect of his peers and superiors, eventually leading to more significant responsibilities within the institution.

Participation in the Seventh Congress of Italian Scientists

In 1845, Giuseppe Fiorelli participated in the Seventh Congress of Italian Scientists, an event sponsored by Ferdinand II. This prestigious gathering brought together some of the most prominent scholars and scientists of the time, providing Fiorelli with an invaluable opportunity to network and exchange ideas with leading experts in various fields.

The congress also highlighted the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, a principle that Fiorelli would later incorporate into his archaeological methods. This exposure to cutting-edge research and diverse perspectives further enriched Fiorelli’s understanding of archaeology and laid the groundwork for his innovative contributions to the field.

Conflicts and Criticisms

Fiorelli’s Criticisms of Excavation Practices

Fiorelli was highly critical of the existing excavation methods at Pompeii. He identified several issues, including the lack of preservation efforts and administrative irregularities.

Fiorelli was particularly vocal about the haphazard way artifacts were handled, often leading to their damage or loss. His critiques were not just technical; they also touched on ethical aspects, such as the corruption and negligence prevalent in the archaeological community.

His Conflicts with Carlo Bonucci

In 1847, Fiorelli was appointed as the Inspector of the Royal Excavations at Pompeii, a role that positioned him at the forefront of archaeological practices. Upon his arrival, Fiorelli quickly identified multiple malpractices that had become entrenched since the Bourbon restoration, leading to escalating conflicts with Carlo Bonucci, the site’s Director.

Fiorelli condemned the lack of preservation efforts, criticizing the careless handling of finds and pointing out potential corruption facilitated by the presence of a private house within the excavation zone owned by Dell’ Aquila.

This property, still standing within the modern site, had been contracted for excavation, raising suspicion over its true purpose. Fiorelli’s vocal disapproval extended to administrative irregularities, alleging thefts and bribery under Bonucci’s leadership.

These sharp criticisms not only threatened Bonucci’s authority but also incited a formidable opposition against Fiorelli, earning him several powerful enemies within the archaeological community.

Innovations in Giuseppe Fiorelli’s Excavation Practices

Guiseppe Fiorelli’s Introduction of New Excavation and Preservation Methods

Undeterred by conflicts, Guiseppe Fiorelli introduced groundbreaking techniques that revolutionized archaeological practices.

One of his most famous innovations was the use of plaster casts to preserve voids left by decomposed bodies in volcanic ash. This method provided invaluable insights into the lives and deaths of Pompeii’s inhabitants, offering a poignant glimpse into the past.

His Contributions to Archaeological Publication and Education

Guiseppe Fiorelli also emphasized the importance of thorough documentation and scholarly publication. He advocated for detailed records of excavations and findings, helping to establish higher academic standards in archaeology. His efforts laid the groundwork for modern archaeological methodologies and academic rigor.

The Commission for Archaeological Reform

Introduction of Revolutionary Legislation

In the late 1840s, a pivotal commission was established with the purpose of reforming archaeological practices and policies in the Kingdom of Naples. This commission, with Giuseppe Fiorelli as a leading voice, crafted a comprehensive set of regulations that sought to overhaul the entire field of archaeology.

The proposed legislation addressed rampant corruption and administrative irregularities, aiming to establish a new era of integrity and scholarly rigor.

One of the law’s primary goals was to combat corruption and theft by introducing stringent codes of conduct for custodians, with severe penalties for those who failed to report findings or were found guilty of misconduct. Additionally, corrupt personnel were to be transferred elsewhere.

Restructuring Pompeii’s Administrative Framework

The commission’s proposals brought significant changes to the administrative structure at Pompeii. It recommended that four supervisors, each qualified to hold their posts for a maximum of two years, oversee the site.

Moreover, a new position of Inspector was created, ranking above the Architect Director, to ensure stringent oversight and minimize the risk of corruption that had plagued Bonucci’s tenure. This restructuring was a direct response to the ongoing malpractices and aimed to infuse greater accountability into archaeological governance.

Enhancements in Documentation and Education

Guiseppe Fiorelli’s commission also recognized the importance of thorough excavation documentation and scholarly dissemination. The law proposed a program for the proper publication of excavations, complete with detailed pictures and plans.

Furthermore, it advocated for incorporating excavation practices into academic education. This included the establishment of six professorships at Naples University, supported financially by the Museum, to foster a new generation of archaeologists.

Democratization of Access and Ownership

A fundamental shift in ideology was evident in the first article of the proposed law, which declared that the Museum’s displays were for the benefit of all citizens. This was a significant departure from the longstanding notion of a closely guarded royal collection.

The law eliminated the need for special permits from the royal household to visit Pompeii, although it maintained that visitors must be accompanied. In terms of publication, it allowed anyone to draw objects on display, ushering in a new era of accessibility while ensuring that items remained protected for a specified period.

The concept of national ownership of certain objects also emerged as a radical idea.

Establishment of a Dedicated Pompeii Museum

Finally, the commission suggested the establishment of a museum at Pompeii itself. This museum was not intended to compete with the Naples Museum but to house artifacts that were deemed unimportant there, such as everyday cooking wares, uninscribed amphoras, lead piping, skeletons, and various metal and pottery fragments.

Despite the commission’s efforts, political tensions led the King to disband the commission on August 28, 1849, and the ambitious reforms outlined in the law were never fully actualized.

While not implemented, these proposed reforms signified a profound attempt to professionalize and democratize the field of archaeology, reflecting Guiseppe Fiorelli’s enduring legacy in the discipline.

A Pioneer in Archaeological Documentation and Preservation

In April 1848, Fiorelli was arrested for alleged political crimes against the King, a charge that stemmed largely from the enemies he had made through his outspoken criticisms of corrupt practices in Pompeii’s excavations. Fiorelli’s imprisonment, driven by adversaries like Carlo Bonucci whose malpractices he had exposed, lasted about ten months.

During this time, he remained productive, gathering extensive information on the excavation of Pompeii from contemporary documents dating back to 1748. This compilation aimed to ensure the preservation and dissemination of accurate archaeological records, highlighting Fiorelli’s unwavering dedication to his field despite his incarceration.

Upon his release in 1850, Guiseppe Fiorelli published the first volume of what was intended to be an extensive series documenting the history of Pompeii’s excavations. This work, however, was met with resistance, leading to the seizure and destruction of his manuscripts by authorities instigated by his arch-enemy, Bernardo Quaranta.

Despite these setbacks, Guiseppe Fiorelli continued to influence archaeology through his publications and his role as private secretary to Count LeopoFld of Syracuse. His publication of Oscan inscriptions in 1854 set new standards in archaeological accuracy and documentation, showcasing his innovative use of chromolithography.

These contributions significantly advanced the field and underscored Fiorelli’s lasting impact on archaeological scholarship.

Fiorelli’s Legacy

Long-Term Impact of Fiorelli’s Reforms on Archaeological Practice

The legacy of Giuseppe Fiorelli is evident in the enduring influence of his methods and reforms. His innovations not only transformed the excavation of Pompeii but also set a precedent for archaeological practices globally. Guiseppe Fiorelli ’s systematic approach and commitment to preservation have left a lasting impact, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from and appreciate ancient sites.

Conclusion

Giuseppe Fiorelli revolutionized the excavation and preservation of Pompeii with his innovative techniques, setting enduring standards in archaeology. His legacy emphasizes the importance of thorough research, systematic methods, and cultural heritage preservation.

Fiorelli’s work inspires archaeologists to maintain integrity and respect for history. To explore his impact further, visit Pompeii or read scholarly publications.