The university question in Messina after the earthquake of 28 December 1908

Abstract

On 28 December 1908, at 5:20:27 a.m. one of the most catastrophic disasters of the 20th century occurred: the Messina earthquake. An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 that in 37 seconds destroyed the cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria, killing thousands of inhabitants. But the Messina earthquake was not only a catastrophe from a human and environmental perspective; it was also the beginning of a long period of crisis and emergency, and then of social, cultural, political and educational rebirth. This essay aims to retrace the history of the reconstruction of the “Regia Università di Messina” using as primary sources newspapers, weekly magazines and journals published in Messina in the years immediately after the tragic morning of 28 December.

This reconstruction was not only physical, but also cultural and educational, and was urged on by the surviving teaching staff, as well as by the entire city because it meant – on the one hand – reminding the Government to keep its commitments and maintaining law enforcement; and on the other, the ability to neutralize the rapacity of individuals.