The representation of Ancient Assyria in Nineveh and Its Remains (1850) by Austen Henry Layard

• Grant number: 22/12648-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - History - Ancient and Medieval History
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Aparecido Rede
• Grantee: Mayra Osman Vasconcellos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project intends to analyse Nineveh and Its Remains, written by Austen Henry Layard and published in 1850, in order to understand the victorian portrayal of Ancient Assyria, by the time it was rediscoverd, as well as its interactions with certain visions of the Nineteenth Century Middle East. Therefore, this research aims to discuss the early explorer's ambition to portray Assyria in a more objetive way and the new perception of Mesopotamia, based on old stereotypes, adapted and recreated according to imperialist agendas.