The lost legacy of the Obelisk of Axum, one of Ethiopia’s most sacred monuments, forcibly taken by Italian forces during Mussolini's brutal colonial occupation. Standing at over 24 meters, this ancient obelisk is not only a towering marvel of engineering but a deep cultural symbol of Ethiopia’s historical pride and heritage. Crafted centuries ago, the obelisk stood as a powerful testament to the Kingdom of Axum, an ancient civilization whose influence reached across Africa, the Roman Empire, and beyond. But in the 1930s, with Benito Mussolini’s rise to power and his ambitions to rebuild a modern Roman Empire, this symbol of Ethiopia was seized, disassembled, and transported to Rome as a ‘war trophy,’ displayed prominently in Piazza di Porta Capena as a reminder of fascist Italy’s domination.
This video delves deep into the fascinating story of the Obelisk of Axum: from its creation and significance in ancient Ethiopian culture to its forced removal and the lengthy international struggle for its return. Discover how, even after the fall of fascism, the Ethiopian people’s determination never wavered. For decades, they protested, negotiated, and rallied both at home and through diaspora communities abroad, refusing to let the world forget this injustice. As the years went by, the obelisk became a symbol of Ethiopian resilience and the undying importance of cultural heritage. The struggle became an international one, with Ethiopia taking its case to the United Nations in the 1940s. In a rare post-World War II resolution, the UN sided with Ethiopia, pressuring Italy to return the stolen obelisk. However, even after the UN’s declaration, Italy delayed, citing logistical challenges, costs, and bureaucratic barriers to avoid fulfilling the promise.
As Ethiopia entered the 1960s and 1970s, experiencing political shifts and internal transformations, the call for the obelisk’s return only intensified. The monument remained an enduring symbol of Ethiopia’s struggle for justice and historical recognition, capturing the attention of international cultural organizations and advocates for artifact repatriation worldwide. Italy, still reluctant, faced ongoing pressure, as Ethiopians and supporters continued to advocate for the obelisk’s return to its rightful place.
Finally, in 2005, after nearly 70 years in Italy, the impossible happened. With the support of engineers, logistics experts, and cultural heritage advocates, the Obelisk of Axum was disassembled once again, loaded onto transport planes, and flown back to Ethiopia in a carefully coordinated mission. The obelisk’s return was an emotional homecoming, a moment of pride witnessed by the Ethiopian people and celebrated by viewers around the globe. It was reassembled and now stands tall in Axum, a triumphant symbol of cultural heritage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a nation that fought tirelessly to reclaim what was theirs.
This story of theft, struggle, and eventual redemption highlights the ongoing importance of cultural heritage, the right of nations to reclaim stolen artifacts, and the complex global dialogue surrounding artifacts displaced during periods of war and colonization. How many other treasures, taken during times of occupation, colonization, or conflict, remain locked away in foreign lands, waiting to be returned to their rightful homes? The return of the Obelisk of Axum raises important questions about justice, respect for cultural legacies, and the need to acknowledge and rectify the wrongs of history.
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25 окт 2024
