Part 9/10:
Mussolini's efforts to position himself alongside ancient Roman emperors extended further than mere construction. He commissioned statues of Roman leaders to flank the avenues, emphasizing the imperial aspirations of his government. Moreover, he promoted himself as a ruler of an empire reminiscent of Rome's territory by paralleling historical narratives of expansion with his colonial ambitions in Africa.
Despite Mussolini's downfall within 25 years of his regime's establishment, and the apparent failures of his ambitions, the Via dei Fori Imperiali endures as a lasting remnant of this era. While those who walk it today often remain ignorant of its origins, it stands as a silent witness to the nostalgia and propaganda of a dictator obsessed with Rome’s legacy.