Mar. 13 – “We went to Libya not to do business but to make culture: to retrieve the ‘past’ and make it accessible to the whole world, to ensure that the splendors of the past could come to light, to ‘give’ future and every person access to the ‘great beauty’ of Northern Africa’s past splendor.” Maria Antoinetta Rizzo, professor at the University of Macerata (Unimc), speaks with enthusiasm of the activities of the Marche-based University in Libya, and of what it calls its “heritage preserving” mission. Together with architect Gilberto Montali, Rizzo helped set up the “Macerata and archeology in Libya. 45 years of research of the University of Macerata” exhibition, open until March 24 in the Antichi Forni gallery. Established also thanks to funds by the Department of Humanities of Unimc, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with Maceratarcheo and the State Library of Macerata “the exhibition displays panels, watercolors, photos, and documents. It offers the chance to get to know the patient excavation and restoration work carried out in these past 45 years by the University of Macerata. It allows the visitor to assess the discoveries, experiences, successes experienced – said Rizzo – It all began in 1968, when Antonino Di Vita set up the project. Di Vita was already in 1962 Adviser to the Libyan government for the antiquities of Tripolitania, and remained, until 2011, a professor at Unimc. His experiences in Libya led Macerata to host the Centre for Research and Documentation on the archeology of North Africa, which is a unique center in Italy, collecting thousands of documents, pictures and drawings. It is also an indispensable research tool for anyone concerned with Italian archeology in Africa.” The University has carried out excavations, research and monumental restoration in Libya, especially in the cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, in close collaboration with the Libyan government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “Our research has allowed for the reconstruction of some of the most important monuments in the entire region – says Professor Rizzo – above all mausoleum B of Sabratha, which, with its 23 meters in height, is one of the greatest examples of late Hellenistic ‘Baroque’. The mausoleum was finally raised from the ground after all the blocks that had collapsed and had scattered over a wide area were ricovered.” Rizzo then spoke of the “patient work” that brought to light the sacred funeral Sidret – el- Balik area, “the greatest late Roman African painting complex.” “This monumental four-sided arch erected in Leptis Magna in honor of emperor Septimius Severus welcomes visitors entering the city, much like it did during its golden era.” Unable to hide her passion for “exploration” and the great satisfaction that comes with bringing to light history, Rizzo then described Leptis Magna as “the largest and most fascinating archaeological site in Libya. It was the birthplace of Septimius Severus, who became emperor of Rome, and wanted to turn it into a sumptuous imperial city. He commissioned so many monumental public buildings that it is correct to call the city the ‘Rome of Africa’.” Of course, throughout the years there have been difficulties: “The activities of the university took off under King Idris al- Sanusi; they continued under the Gaddafi regime and throughout the Civil War. We continue today despite the difficult political situation. The funds are few, but the desire to bring forward our plans and culture is relentless. The Libyan population has understood this and always greets us in the best of ways. There is a relationship of respect and familiarity with local institutions. Today we can say we have true friends in Libya that were close to us during the months of the conflict in 2011. Unfortunately, even today – she adds – we cannot take students with us.” Rizzo also talked about the “special assets” and “beauties to protect and preserve”: “We dedicate all our restoration and enhancement skills to these monuments, in the face of ‘competition’ from German, British and American archeologists, who have also carried out excavations in the area. We, however, armed ourselves with a great wealth of culture and a solid preparation to pursue this relationship with Libya. We are aware that our work covers civic engagement as well as social and cultural development. We uncover the past to understand our present better, and maybe gain some insights into the future.”
