Awarding of honorary citizenship to Professor Ridley
To the mayor of Labico
Object: request of concession honorary citizenship to Prof. Ronald T. RidleyRonald T. Ridley, professor emeritus at School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, born in 1940, he is an illustrious ancient historian who played a major role in the teaching of ancient history in the University of Melbourne since when he entered in the department for the first time in 1965.
He graduated in PhD Literature in Rome in 1992.
In 2017 he received an honorary doctorate in the Literature department on ancient history in the University of Macquarie University: in that occasion he was defined as “the Australian researcher most active on an international level in the field of ancient history”. The academical experience he cultivated comprehend the first Egyptian dynasty to Classic Greece and Roman Republic, with historiography and biography of the main ancient historians of the past that worked in Melbourne, like Jessie Webb. He also has a deep understanding of Rome’s history.
In may 2019 he received, in a ceremony in Palazzo Borghese in Rome, the prestigious prize Premio Daria Borghese for best book about Rome by a foreign author for his 2017 book “The prince of Antiquarians: Francesco Ficoroni”. Ficoroni was one of the main Italian antiquarians of his time and one of the most important roman guides for the aristocrats who visited Rome during the Grand Tour. His knowledge of sculpture, antiquarians and monuments was broad, and his activities comprehended archeological excavations and writing guides about Rome’s monuments. Many objects discovered by Ficoroni are now exposed in Musei Vaticani, Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia and his writings about Rome greatly circulated in Europe. Ridley’s book is the first about a complete study of Ficoroni’s life.
The research for this book became a complicated journey which culminated in the presentation of it in Labico, In the same room that is now hosting us, the natal town of Ficoroni. Subsequentially the professor donated to the Labican community a nig and complete collection of documents containing Ficoroni’s personal letters to relevant historical figures of his time, allowing our town to have precious and unique materials.
Ridley’s great competence is confirmed in the long bibliography attached to the present.
In the light of the above I ask to S.V. to start the bureaucratic documents necessary for the concession of the honorary citizenship, based on Regolamento sul Cerimoniale approved with deliberation number 7 of the municipal council in date 25 August 2020, to professor emeritus Ronald T. Ridley for the study and valorization of documents and historical figures partially or completely unknown. A work that allowed to shine a light on fellow citizen in the scientific word and giving great pride to our town Labico.
Labico 10 november 2022
Culture councilor
Clementina Miele
OBJECT: REQUEST OF CONCESSION OF HONORARY CITIZENSHIP TO PROF. RONALD T. RIDLEY
THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Based on the report of the Municipal Councilor for Culture, Professor Clementina Miele
Given that:
The municipality of Labico identifies itself in the value and fundamental principles of the Constitution of the Italian Republic; is committed to recognise, respect and promote the value of each individual, both as an individual and in social groups where his or her personality is expressed, regardless of personal, economic, social conditions, gender, race, language, age, by political and religious opinions in the belief that “the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world consists in the recognition of the dignity of every being belonging to the human family”, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 10 December 1948 and reaffirmed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
Considerato che:
Honorary citizenship is an honor conferred by the Municipality of Labico to living and non-living people, not born and/or not resident in Labico, without differentiation of sex, nationality, ethnicity and religion, who have particularly distinguished themselves and who represent a model positive for the example of a life inspired by the values of the Republican Constitution or of human solidarity, especially towards the weakest and most marginalized people. The contribution given to the progress of culture and knowledge or to the prestige achieved through studies, teaching, research, artistic production, sporting activity; the particular commitment demonstrated in work, in the production of goods and services, in professions, in the management of public and private bodies and institutions; the exemplary affection and interest towards the municipality of Labico, demonstrated by works and initiatives aimed at promoting knowledge and valorisation of the municipality and its community in all aspects; actions of high civil value carried out in favor of Italy, Europe or the entire world;[…]
DECIDES:
Conferring the honor of Honorary Citizenship of the Municipality of Labico to Professor Emeritus Ronald T. Ridley, for the study always devoted to the rediscovery and valorization of important figures and documents still little investigated, study and commitment which have made our fellow citizen known throughout the scientific world and raised the name of Labico.
The great value of “friendships”
Today, after a series of hardships, a package arrived at the Municipality whose contents, a letter, we consider particularly precious. This is a non-quantifiable value in an economic sense because it belongs to a purely human aspect: friendship. The honorary citizen prof. Ronald T. Ridley addressed beautiful words to us and our community from which emerges the honor of having formally become part of Labico. His gratitude overcome the thousands of kilometers that separate Labico from Melbourne, but which can do nothing against that bond of friendship that is now indissoluble. We publish his letter below so that everyone can appreciate (forgive some small errors) the words of friendship that he addressed to us.
Il sindaco e l’amministrazione comunale
Video dell’evento
Galleria fotografica
