Rodolfo Lanciani and America

ABSTRACT:Rodolfo Lanciani (1845–1929), the Italian archaeologist responsible for the Roman Forum campaign of c. 1876–84, visited the northeastern United States in the academic year of 1886–87 and delivered well-attended lectures on aspects of ancient Roman culture. The tour resulted in a publication, Ancient Rome in the Light of Recent Discoveries, issued in 1888. Lanciani's lectures played a part in a growing appreciation of ancient Roman over Greek culture, as late nineteenth-century Americans recognized similarities between their own values and those of ancient Rome and aspired to establish their legitimate place among the cultured nations of the world.