Medieval documents in danger
History Extra podcast
The Perils of Preservation: Document Destruction in War
This chapter examines the destruction of medieval documents during significant historical conflicts from the Franco-Prussian War to World War II, emphasizing the impact of political turmoil on cultural heritage. Case studies include the catastrophic loss of the Public Record Office of Ireland and the burning of historical texts in Naples, illustrating the challenges faced by archivists in the wake of such tragedies. It also highlights the dual role of modern archivists in both preserving and unintentionally endangering these vital records amid the backdrop of nationalism and warfare.
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