Published by the Swedish Institute of Classical Studies in Rome. Distributed by Astrom Editions. La cura dei monumenti alle origini. Restauro e scavo di monumenti antichi a Roma 1800–1830 Translated title: The beginnings of the preservation of monuments—the uncovering and restauration of ancient monuments in Rome 1800–1830 By Marita Jonsson Abstract Throughout the ages buildings have been maintained. When necessary, improvements have been made, alterations have taken place, new functions have been allotted. During the nineteenth century, buildings began to be restored with the sole purpose of preserving them for the future. France has been considered a leading country in this respect, and with the restoration architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc a number of so-called style restorations started with the purpose of recreating the buildings in the style in which they were considered to have been built originally. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, preservation of monuments in Rome took a different direction to what became dominant in Europe during the latter part of that century. In Rome the primary aim was to keep the buildings in a good state of repair by simple means. The repairs were often carried out in materials that differed from the original, and were in…