Rodolfo Lanciani’s revenge

Among the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana’s manuscripts are the notes that Rodolfo Lanciani (1845–1929) created while serving in the state archaeological service in Rome from 1871 to 1889. Given that during this time, many discoveries about ancient Roman monuments and topography were made and then destroyed, his on-site notes and sketches contain irreplaceable information. Because Lanciani felt his state employer had disrespected him, the archaeologist retained the notes in his personal possession for nearly all his life, refusing to cede them to the state archives. Instead, just before his death, he donated them to the Vatican library. This article explores the personal and historical circumstances that led Lanciani to this decision, one which has allowed scholars of ancient Rome’s built environment easy access to this invaluable material.