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March - April 2005, meeting with the students of Liceo Scientifico “Righi”, Rome, classes I A, I D, I F, I L

In accordance with the Calendar of Visits proposed by the Historical Archives, students learned of the Form of the Archives by examining original papers of particular importance for understanding the function of documents for the tutelage of Archaeological heritage.

The students of the Liceo Scientifico “Righi” visited the Archives as the result of a specific interest in studying myths. This theme had been chosen by the school. The students viewed documents on the finding of statues, some of which on mythological themes, found in the modern quarter “Ludovisi”; the area in which the school is located.

Observing the corresponding sector of the Archaeological Map of Rome, the students learned of the history of ancient topography of this area of the city: In classical times it hosted the Horti Sallustiani. These had been the residence of the Latin writer Caio Sallustion Crispo and later became part of the Imperial Property.

From among numerous finds from 1870 onwards, particular attention was paid to those related the the statues of Niobide, the Peplophoros and to Sileno. These all came from the Horti Sallustiani and are currently on view in the Museo Nazional Romano, housed in Palazzo Massimo.

The students also viewed documents related to the finds. There are many of these in the Excavation Journals held by the “guardians” responsible for controlling the digs in the city. Other papers are to be found in the “Practices for tutelage of the historic centre and suburbio”. The students thus made direct contact with the historical context of the finds.

During the visit references were made to the history of mythological characters represented in the statues and to the narration of the myths themselves.

The visit concluded explaining the process from the moment of the find to the point when the works entered the museum. Some reference was also made to the creation of the Museo Nazionale Romano in the seat in the Terme di Diocleziano.

The students showed great interest in the visit and asked for a further opportunity to study documents in the Archives in order to learn more about findings connected to the myths of Hercules. They had already touched on this theme during a visit to the Museo di Palazzo Altemps.