The Reawakening of Pompeii Under Charles of Bourbon

Charles of Bourbon’s Rise to Power

Background of Charles of Bourbon

Charles of Bourbon was born in 1716, the fifth son of Philip V of Spain and the eldest son of his second wife, Elisabeth Farnese. His ascent to power came after a decisive military victory over the Austrians in 1734, which led to his coronation as Charles VII of the Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies.

This marked the end of two centuries of foreign rule by Spanish and Austrian viceroys, establishing Naples as an autonomous kingdom under Bourbon control.

Political Changes and Challenges

With Naples now the capital of an independent kingdom, Charles faced numerous challenges. Initially, his rule was met with resistance from various European powers.

While France recognized his kingdom in 1734, the Papal States were slower to follow suit, and Savoyard Piedmont only sent an ambassador in 1741. Despite these hurdles, Charles was relentless in his efforts to secure the legitimacy and stability of his reign.

Establishing Authority

Charles worked diligently to consolidate his power and establish Naples as a significant political entity. He introduced administrative reforms and took steps to modernize the kingdom’s infrastructure, setting the stage for his broader cultural ambitions.

These political efforts were crucial in creating an environment where significant cultural projects, like the reawakening of Pompeii, could be successfully undertaken.

Early Excavations and the Reawakening of Pompeii

Decision to Begin Excavations in 1748

The reawakening of Pompeii began in 1748, driven by more than just a fascination with ancient history. Charles of Bourbon recognized an opportunity to enhance the cultural prestige of his kingdom through the official excavations.

By uncovering and showcasing the remnants of this ancient city, he aimed to position Naples as a center of culture and learning, rivalling other European capitals.

Cultural Context and Aspirations

Charles drew inspiration from his great-grandfather, Louis XIV of France, who had transformed Versailles into a symbol of royal grandeur. He sought to emulate this cultural magnificence in Naples.

To achieve this, he invested heavily in the arts and commissioned the construction of cultural institutions, including the Teatro San Carlo opera house in 1737. This effort was part of his vision to create a flourishing court culture that would legitimize his rule and elevate Naples’ status on the European stage.

The Role of Antiquities

The promotion of antiquities was central to Charles’ cultural strategy. Scholars and antiquarians played a crucial role in documenting and publicizing the finds from the reawakening Pompeii and other sites.

These efforts not only enhanced Naples’ prestige but also contributed to the broader field of archaeology and historical studies, setting the foundation for future scholarly work.

Establishing Naples as a Cultural Capital

Development of Cultural Institutions

Charles took significant steps to develop Naples as a cultural capital. The Teatro San Carlo opera house, completed in 1737, became a symbol of royal magnificence, with a royal box linked directly to the palace.

He also commissioned the construction of new palaces and hunting lodges, such as Portici and Capodimonte, which housed antiquities and art collections.

Integration of Archaeological Discoveries

The archaeological discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum were seamlessly integrated into Naples’ cultural landscape, marking a reawakening of Pompeii.

The Portici palace initially housed artifacts from Herculaneum, while the Farnese collection, inherited from Charles’ mother, was displayed at Capodimonte. These efforts showcased Naples as a city of great historical and cultural significance, furthering Charles’ vision.

Promotion of Antiquities

The promotion of antiquities was a key element of Charles’ cultural strategy. Scholars and antiquarians documented and publicized the finds, enhancing Naples’ prestige and contributing to the broader field of archaeology.

The emphasis on showcasing these discoveries helped position Naples as a center of culture and learning, attracting scholars and tourists alike.

Impact on Pompeii and Broader Cultural Landscape

Influence on the Progress of Excavations

The drive for cultural prestige significantly influenced the progress of the excavations at Pompeii. There was a focus on uncovering impressive artifacts and structures that could enhance the narrative of the Bourbon monarchy.

This approach shaped the priorities and methods of the early excavations, with an emphasis on spectacular finds that could captivate the public imagination.

Contributions to Archaeology and History

The reawakening of Pompeii made significant contributions to the fields of archaeology and history. Efforts to document and preserve the findings provided valuable insights into Roman life and culture. These early practices laid the groundwork for modern archaeological methods and standards, influencing generations of scholars and researchers.

Legacy of Charles of Bourbon’s Cultural Policies

Charles’ cultural policies had a lasting impact on Naples and the broader cultural landscape. The excavations at Pompeii became a symbol of his vision for Naples, contributing to the city’s reputation as a center of culture and learning.

This legacy continued to influence archaeological practices and historical studies for centuries, highlighting the enduring significance of his efforts.

Conclusion

Charles of Bourbon’s political ambitions significantly influenced the early reawakening of Pompeii, aiming to boost Naples’ cultural prestige. These efforts not only advanced archaeological practices but also highlighted the intricate relationship between politics and historical discoveries.

The legacy of this reawakening continues to impact modern archaeology and enriches our understanding of Roman history.