Excavate the Past, To (Re-) construct the Present: The symbolic uses of Classical Antiquity by Napoleon Bonaparte

Abstract

In this paper two interrelated topics will be discussed. First, we will explore the beginning of French Archaeology. Second, we intend to focus on the relationship between this process and the construction of Napoleon’s public image. Considering Martin Bernal approach in which the ancient world has an important hole in defining modern politic, the aim of this paper is to discuss how the ancient world became one of the most important aspects of Napoleon’s government and helped to create a new French identity.