bhaskar saikia

Have you ever wondered why nearly all of Europe is adorned with architectural marvels and grand monuments? The simple answer is that Europe was the cradle of the Renaissance. However, that alone does not fully capture the deep-rooted love Europeans have for art and architecture.

When other civilizations were reaching great heights in science, culture, music, military power and economics, much of Europe was trapped in the Dark Ages. Yet, the Renaissance—an era of enlightenment—lifted the continent out of stagnation and ignited an enduring passion for cultural and architectural excellence. This reverence for heritage and beauty has persisted through the centuries, even in the most unlikely of circumstances—war.

One striking example of this dedication occurred on January 11, 1943, during the battle for Tripoli in North Africa (present-day Libya). As British Eighth Army armored vehicles rolled into the ancient Roman amphitheater at Leptis Magna, their weight cracked the stone flagstones beneath them. Witnessing this, Lt. Col. R. Mortimer Wheeler was horrified. He immediately contacted Brigadier Maurice Lush, a British civil affairs officer, urging action to prevent further damage. Despite the chaos of war, efforts were made to safeguard these historical treasures. This moment marked the beginning of an extraordinary initiative involving British and American officers—the famed ‘Monuments Men’—whose mission was to protect cultural heritage from destruction during the war.

Another remarkable story took place when American forces landed on the Italian island of Sicily on July 10, 1943. General George S. Patton, leading the U.S. Tenth Army, was shocked to see a roofless Greek temple at Agrigento. Concerned that American firepower had caused the damage, he inquired about it from a local farmer through an interpreter. He came to know that the damage was done during the last war. When enquire what last war, the interpreter said that the farmer was referring to the Second Punic War of 218-201 BC!

This humorous yet telling exchange underscores how deeply ingrained historical preservation is in the European consciousness.

Even amid the bloodiest conflict in human history, reverence for art and culture influenced critical decisions. When the Allied forces breached the German defensive Gustav Line on May 18, 1944, Rome was within reach. Fears arose that fierce street battles would lead to the destruction of the city’s millennia-old treasures. However, in an uncharacteristic move, Adolf Hitler declared both Rome and Florence—considered the cultural heart of the Renaissance— “open cities”, meaning they would be abandoned by German forces to avoid devastation. Despite his ruthless nature, Hitler, like many Europeans, recognized the irreplaceable value of art and history.

What can we learn from the Monuments Men and, to some extent, even Hitler? Their actions reveal a profound truth: Europeans are deeply committed to preserving their cultural heritage. While war is never a testament to logic or morality, the care and respect shown for architectural wonders, even in the face of destruction, highlight Europe’s enduring love for art, history and beauty.

In a world where rapid modernization often threatens the past, this dedication serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of preserving our collective heritage.