‘Demonstrating on the Outside’ and ‘Reviving on the Inside’. The Oriental School of Rome and the Reorganisation of Oriental Studies in Italy

This paper aims to retrace a piece of the history Oriental Studies in Rome and, more broadly, Italy first years 20th century. Starting from unpublished documents, it chronicles events related establishment School at University (1904) and subsequent reorganisation effort its professors – directed by I. Guidi had hoped for. attempt was occasion for F.L. Pullé, his role member High Council Public Education, draw up detailed report on Italian which put forth series concrete proposals general renewal this field. In addition allowing better understanding Roman generally, Studies, recounted herein are emblematic broader effort, sustained same Orientalists since mid-nineteenth century, give recognisable identity unitary orientation diverse group disciplines.