Marx, Sherlock Holmes, and Late Italian Prehistory

An important part of the Italian late prehistoric studies has been inspired by Marxist ideas. The works of the proto-historical archaeologists Salvatore Maria Puglisi (1912–1985) and Renato Peroni (1930–2010) have been decisive in further development of this direction of studies, particularly regarding the level of (current) social interpretations of the past. This chapter discusses the sociopolitical and academic context wherein their basic ideas caught on. Such an analysis can enhance our understanding of the intellectual development of these unique Italian approaches to researching the past.

ISBN:978-3-319-45108-4

Publication year:2016