War and Cultural Heritage: Biographies of Place

The reconstruction of society after conflict is never straightforward. It involves not only rebuilding physical structures but also redefining the cultural and symbolic meanings attached to them. The book War and Cultural Heritage: Biographies of Place explores this theme by examining how heritage sites across Europe have been reshaped in the aftermath of wars since 1864.

Cultural Heritage in Post-Conflict Societies

Through a series of case studies, the book investigates how buildings, landscapes, and monuments become central to processes of post-war reconstruction. These sites often act as agents of memory and identity, carrying contested meanings that can both unite and divide communities. In many cases, they serve as battlegrounds for competing historical narratives and political claims.

Shifts in Meaning Over Time

The authors highlight how the meaning of heritage sites is not fixed but evolves with changing social and political contexts. A monument may begin as a marker of victory, later be reinterpreted as a symbol of reconciliation, and eventually stand as a reminder of contested history. By tracing these transformations, the book connects theoretical debates on reconstruction and memorialisation with the lived realities of specific places.

Broader Implications

The analysis underscores the enduring impact of war on cultural heritage and shows how the aftermath of destruction continues to shape societies for generations. It also situates heritage within the wider frameworks of conflict, Cold War politics, and post-conflict reconstruction, offering new empirical evidence and critical perspectives on how cultural heritage influences recovery and identity.

For readers interested in cultural heritage, anthropology, war studies, and post-conflict development, this book provides both detailed case studies and broader theoretical insights.

The book’s co-author Dacia Viejo Rose, who has made significant contributions to cultural heritage and war studies, is also a member of Convisero – the community of Trebuchet.

Access the full text here: War and Cultural Heritage: Biographies of Place