Italy’s history has been riddled with controversies and fascisms that have gripped its people for decades. One such period of controversy is the reign of Benito Mussolini in the early 20th century. His rise to power created a wave of militaristic nationalist pride and a growing feeling that Italy should take its rightful place among global powers. Mussolini wanted to glorify ancient Rome as a way of creating a more power-hungry Italy, connecting the past to the present, and using Italian history to further fuel his policies.
Using the history of Rome to fuel his own agenda served a few purposes. He wanted to erect state symbols and propaganda to recreate an illusion of a 19th-century Italian Empire, complete with sieg-heiling Roman legions and a new Roman Imperialism. Mussolini declared himself a new Caesar and portrayed himself as a continuation of ancient Rome’s greatness. He also adopted a Latin slogan “Tutto nello Stato, niente al di fuori dello Stato, nulla contro lo Stato”, which means “Everything in the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state”.
Mussolini wanted to create a sense of unity and identity among the Italians, and he sought to restore the former glory of “the New Roman Empire”. To achieve this, Mussolini revived old Roman law, restored monuments, and created new archaeological projects. He wanted to rewrite Italian history to emphasize his own power and to create a strong sense of Italian patriotism. He also wanted to increase Italian presence in the Mediterranean, striving to build a stronger Italian navy to improve naval technologies and revive the concept of a Roman Empire that could dominate the Mediterranean Sea.
In addition to emphasizing the glory of ancient Rome, Mussolini also wanted to unify the country in cultural and military ambition. He created the power of Rome in Italy and the idea of imperialism. He used the idea of a strong militaristic state to create a sense of national pride among the people. Another aim of his was to use Rome’s past to unite the people of Italy, who were divided along lines of class, religion, ethnic identity, and regional differences.
Mussolini marched his countrymen in Roman dress through historic sites to instill pride in Italian heritage. He also held Fascist rallies in the city of Rome to increase a sense of solidarity among his followers. He imposed a compulsory program of Romanness, where people had to study Latin, Italian, and Ancient Roman culture, to create a sense of Italian identity and add further legitimacy to his rule.
Mussolini’s use of ancient Rome as a unifying force stoked a greater sense of Italian pride and patriotism, prescribing goals for the nation. His War for the Mediterranean was intended to complete the vision of an Italian imperial state formed out of ancient Roman traditions. Mussolini encouraged a wave of patriotism, for Rome had long been the pride of Italy, and to win the hearts and minds of his people, Mussolini needed to stir a sense of past glory as a future aim.
Worship of Roman Symbols
Mussolini wanted to make the symbols of Rome prominent timeless symbols of power, and wanted to instill a sense of awe within the public. He ordered the restoration of the Colosseum, one of the most iconic monuments of Rome, and supported performances of operettas in this ancient arena. Similarly, Mussolini ordered the restoration of numerous monuments of Rome, as a way of reinforcing the presence and connection with the ancient city. He ordered government-sponsored citizens’ efforts in which Italians of all ages and backgrounds participated in rebuilding archaeological sites. These monuments of glorification included the Arch of Constantine, the Ara Pacis, and the Temple of Venus Genetrix.
The colonization of Ethiopia in 1935 was also part of Mussolini’s vision of returning Rome to its former glory, as it was a colonial excursion he ordered his armies to undertake “to restore and perpetuate the greatness of Imperial Rome”. He also ordered renovations and modifications to the ancientroman government edifices. This further strengthened the connection between ancient Rome and modern Italy, as the ruins and symbols of power were made to appear more imposing and regal.
Mussolini also adopted the Imperial Roman salute, which included the arm extended outward, in his fascist rallies and marches, a gesture that we now associate with Nazi movements. This not only symbolized the connection with Rome, but also represented a salute of allegiance to power. Additionally, Mussolini instilled a political system where all state-sponsored activities, such as education and media, were all regulated by the state. He wanted to ensure that everything followed his agenda and was run by his government.
Comparisons to Modern Italy
The effects of Mussolini’s glorification of ancient Rome can be seen in the present day. Italy still remains politically and economically divided, with a few powerful regions maintaining a firm control over most of the nation’s affairs. The image of ancient Rome has been embraced by modern Italy, with monuments and relics from ancient Rome still visible in the country’s major cities and towns. This is especially true in the modern capital of Rome, where the 2,000-year-old Colosseum continues to draw visitors from all over the world. Additionally, Italy’s current national anthem was once “Giovinezza”, which was Mussolini’s favorite marching tune, and is proof of the legacy he left behind.
The legacy of Mussolini and his glorification of ancient Rome can still be seen today, even after more than 75 years since his death. His efforts to create a power-hungry Italy through reviving old Roman traditions and unifying the Italian people are still relevant. With the details provided, certain truths have been revealed, such as the fact that Mussolini was successful in instilling a sense of national pride. His ambition and ambition of the nation, however, will remain in the hands of each generation.
Mussolini’s Legacy in Popular Culture
Though Mussolini’s regime ended in 1945, his legacy lives on not only in Italy’s monuments, but in its culture and media as well. One example can be found in the 1975 movie The Last Days of Mussolini by director Florestano Vancini. The film follows Mussolini’s final days in power, and showcases the dictator’s correlation with Roman symbols and culture. Additionally, the movie was also heavily influenced by Mussolini’s own speeches, utilizing direct quotes from his speeches that showed his belief in Roman superiority.
Mussolini’s glorification of Rome and use of Roman symbolism can also be found in the popular video game series Assassin’s Creed. In the game, the main protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze is sent back in time to Ancient Rome to fight the powerful Templar Order. The game focuses on the political and religious struggle for control of Rome during the Renaissance period, and often utilizes Roman art, architecture, and history.
The glorification of Roman history and artifacts wasn’t unique to Mussolini, but it was he who embraced it and used it to promote his fascist agenda more than anyone else. His legacy lives on in the monuments and symbols still visible in Italy today, and his influence can be seen in popular culture in media such as films, books, and video games.
Nation Building and Propaganda
Mussolini’s use of Ancient Rome and its symbols was largely a tool of nation-building and propaganda. His relentless use of Roman symbolism and artifacts was intended to unify Italy and give his government legitimacy. By linking his dictatorial rule to a period of glory, Mussolini was able to deceive many citizens into believing that his fascist policies were legitimate and just.
Mussolini’s nation-building techniques often focused on eliciting emotions and pride for the nation through militaristic parades and festivals. He would organize large-scale processions of soldiers who marched in Roman soldier uniforms and symbols of ancient Roman power. This was intended to evoke a powerful sense of national pride and to help create a cohesive national identity. He also used propaganda such as textbooks, posters, and media to instill a sense of awe in the people of Italy for his fascist rule.
Mussolini famously declared: “If you want to neutralize an adversary, you must have either his good-will or his terror. I prefer terror”. His use of terror tactics through propaganda was a key element of his nation building, creating a sense of fear amongst dissenters and encouraging those who supported his rule. This is evident in the control of media during his reign, and the fact that he used words such as “patriotism”, “valour”, “nobility”, and “courage” to evoke a feeling of powerful emotion.
Mussolini also used his glorifying of ancient Rome to spread fascism and fascism-influenced ideologies, such as his Battle for the Mediterranean. By reviving and glorifying Ancient Roman symbols and rites, Mussolini was able to paint a picture of a powerful and invincible Italy and to use it to his advantage.
Final Legacy
Despite the clear efforts of Mussolini to glorify ancient Rome in order to incite national pride, the overall effect of his politicization of the nation’s past is still debated today. It has been argued that while Mussolini was successful in creating a more unified Italy, his use of terror tactics and propagandizing have left an indelible mark on the country’s history, leaving a feeling of distrust in the people due to the actions of their past leader.
Though his glorifying of Rome was intended to infuse Italians with nostalgia and romanticism, it was received with a sense of anxiety and caution due to his repression and control. In many ways, Mussolini’s legacy is still seen today in Italy, as the current government continues to grapple with the ramifications of its past leader’s decisions.
Ultimately, Mussolini’s efforts to glorify ancient Rome were successful in unifying Italy and creating a sense of national pride, but the effects of his oppressive tactics still resonates in the country today. His legacy is one of mixed emotions, as it showed the power of fear and propaganda, but also the power of history and nostalgia, and the difficulty of reconciling the two.
