This paper examines the specifics of the work of the Imperial Moscow Archaeological Society during the First World War in one aspect, which was the protection of ancient monuments. Monuments of ancient eras perish during military conflicts throughout the twentieth century, so the problem of their preservation seems urgent. This problem is considered in the article on the basis of archival materials that are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time, which is seen as the novelty of this work. The analysis of historiography shows the political orientation of the works of Soviet historians, who believed that in the Russian Empire archeology was beyond the attention of the state and archaeologists themselves were a small closed caste of scientists. The research conducted in this article allows us to shake this conclusion. Russian archaeologists actively empathized with the Allies who were attacked by Germany. The words of their appeals to heads of state and colleagues from scientific societies sound like sincere pain. Active preparations were made for the Sixteenth Archaeological Congress, which was canceled due to the beginning of mobilization. The Moscow Archaeological Society has launched an active effort to ensure the preservation of Russian cultural monuments in provinces that were under threat of occupation. Despite the war years, it conducted archaeological excavations and exploration, often at its own expense. Count F.A. Uvarov addressed the State Council with a proposal to legislate the protection of antiquities in Russia. The experience of interaction between the state and the public on the preservation of archaeological monuments during the years of military conflicts may be in demand today.
Source: Kokorina Yu.G. (2025). Activities of the Imperial Moscow Archaeological Society for the Protection of Monuments during the First World War (Based on Archival Materials). Bylye Gody. 20(2): 1037-1046
Source web-site: https://bg.cherkasgu.press/journals_n/1748846431.pdf
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