Codename SICILYWAR is a multidisciplinary, innovative investigation into the impact of World War II on archaeological sites and museums in Sicily (1940–45). The island’s cultural and archaeological heritage was under major threat from Allied bombing, landing and military occupation. The book has three main aims. Firstly, it investigates how national, local civilian and military authorities dealt with discoveries of archaeological finds in the area from construction of military structures by the Italian and Allied forces to the protection of antiquities. Secondly, it looks to reconstruct contexts and social networks involving the national and military authorities, archaeologists and local communities, acting and ‘clashing’ in a state of war and emergency. Finally, it contextualises Sicilian archaeology on the wider European stage, comparing Sicily with other European contexts.
The book benefits from a thorough analysis of hundreds of newly-discovered documents (dispatches, letters, reports, pictures, etc.) which are included in a substantial appendix. Social contexts are assessed by a four-level system to identify networks on a national, regional, local and supranational scale. Through the lens of archaeology, history, archival records, museum, social and military studies, the book will benefit a variety of scholars and experts who are jointly interested in the study of Sicilian antiquities, local communities and war contexts in the 1930s and 1940s.
H 290 x W 205 mm
642 pages
251 figures, 22 tables
Published Aug 2025
ISBN
Paperback: 9781803278636
Digital: 9781803278643
Contents
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Historical Framework of WWII
Chapter 2: Archaeology at the Start of WWII
Chapter 3: Sicily and WWII: Sites and Discoveries
Chapter 4: Anti-aircraft Protection, Provision, and Equipment
Chapter 5: Personnel, Civilians, and Offices in the Context of War
Chapter 6: Safeguarding Sites, Museums, and Social Networks
Appendix A: AGRIGENTO [AGR]
Appendix B: CEFALÙ [CEF]
Appendix C: PALERMO [PAL]
Appendix D: SAN MARTINO DELLE SCALE [SMA]
Appendix E: SELINUNTE [SEL]
Appendix F: Personal Dossiers [DOSSIERS]
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