The Metropolis without a Classical Foundation. Epigraphic Spolia and Uses of the Past in Venice and Its Lagoon

This paper explores the shifting relationship of Venice with the classical world by focusing on how antiquities have been recycled, exhibited, and concealed across Venetian history. In particular, reused ancient inscriptions (epigraphic spolia) deserve scholarly attention for several reasons. First, perhaps most obviously, they can more readily be identified than non-inscribed artefacts; furthermore, they are very abundant in Venice and offer a broad spectrum of data about different kinds of monuments and texts, as well as on their chronology; finally, their presence in the city and in the surrounding islands has been recorded for a very long time and can be dated and georeferenced with good accuracy. The concentration of epigraphic spolia in certain parts of the city and of the lagoon is taken into consideration, along with information on newly discovered inscriptions, which continuously come to light, thus increasing the body of material evidence for scientific research. By positioning the reuse of spolia not only as a pragmatic necessity but also as a deliberate act of reinforcing the cityÕs monumental significance, the article highlights how ancient artifacts could be strategically employed to shape the image of Venice as a classical metropolis