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In this article the author considers the ruin as the focus of contradictory positions of rejection and even loathing in the process of ‘the transfer of the empire’ (translatio imperii) in historical time. The author considers questions of continuity and rupture, with relation to the idea of ruins and grand monuments on the one hand, and living empires and changing circumstances on the other. The author comments on the relations among material remains, mental images, linguistic artefacts and other types of objects in the progressive move away from antiquity and towards the empires of Christianity. The author shows that the city remains a fluid, but steady, presence amidst historical change. The paper argues for new constructions built on the infrastructure that is the ruins of the pagan past, and especially Rome. Ruins are an irresistible attraction but also instigating desperate attempts to sweep aside an ‘overflow of memory’. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses two opposing theories – that of remembering the past, on the one hand, and that of forgetting the past, on the other. The Egyptian and Mesopotamian conceptions of time, history and memory are discussed at the beginning of the article. The author also discusses several examples of civilizations throughout history who have deliberately or unintentionally destroyed or vandalized monuments of the past. The case of Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, who deliberately burned ancient books, is briefly mentioned.

The article discusses the disciplinary history of archaeology, particularly focusing on the contributions of German scholar Eduard Gerhard in the early 19th century. It addresses the historical interest in antiquity and its connection to the academic study of historical artifacts, as well as comments on Gerhard's connection to museum foundation in Europe. Other topics explored include Gerhard's appointment to a role as professor of archaeology in 1844, his work in founding several archaeological publications, and his work "Archaeological Theses."