La Scuola Archeologica Italiana di Atene nel contesto politico e culturale del conflitto italo-ellenico

In the context of the historical events that saw the outbreak of the Italo-Hellenic conflict and the construction of a specific Italian imaginary concerning the Greek world, this contribution intends to investigate the political role of the Italian Archaeological School at Athens. If in 1939, with the renewal of the friendship treaty between Italy and Greece, the cultural importance of Greece is still recognised in relation to its classical past, with the approach of the Second World War, every argument becomes useful for the denigration of the young state, too aligned with English politics. From this moment onwards, it starts an “anti-Hellenic propaganda campaign”. In this historical context, the activities of Italian institutes in Athens move carefully between the political indications coming from the motherland and the will to continue their cultural mission in Greece. As Emanuele Grazzi is a crucial figure in the diplomatic relations between the two nations, in the same way, Guido Libertini works hard as director of the Italian School and Cultural Institute, distinguishing himself for his managerial activities. Despite the dramatic historical events, these protagonists carry out their mission, being able to move between different institutions and in a social context that has as its backdrop the most refined clubs, cafes, and hotels in Athens of the time.