Italy sees boom in demand for archaeologists

Italy. Excavating the past has become a profession of the future. This is the observation made by the Associazione Nazionale Archeologi (ANA) by presenting the figures from its very latest census. It was carried out on the occasion of the thirtieth annual meeting of the European Association of Archeologists (EAA) which was held from August 28 to 31 in Rome. The theme chosen this year was “Persisting with Change”. A change welcomed by the more than 7,000 Italian archaeologists whose profession has profoundly evolved over the last decade

“Our role has finally changed thanks to the normative recognition of our profession within the framework of Law 110 adopted in 2014explains Marcella Giorgio, brand new director of the ANA. Working conditions have improved and our scope of action is clear when we are in contact with local administrations, superintendences or even the private sector. »

A private sector which now employs 75% of archaeologists whose average age has fallen significantly. 63% of these “specialists of the past” are under 40 years old and two thirds are women. They are no longer only involved in field excavation campaigns but are also sought after for activities linked to the development of the territory: from cultural communication in museums to urban planning. The presence of archaeologists has become constant in the landscape commissions established by Italian municipalities.

The demand for finding archaeologists has become greater than the supply, to the point that clients sometimes complain about the difficulty in finding professionals due in particular to the European recovery plan, rejoices Marcella Giorgio. I don’t think anyone expected such a boom, partly because it was ten years ago. The billions of euros from the European recovery plan, of which Italy is the main beneficiary country, have mainly benefited the construction sector. This has increased the use of preventive archeology to verify the presence of historical treasures underground. Archaeologists are also called upon throughout the implementation of the project. “We were seen as those who blocked them as soon as a vestige was foundexplains Marcella Giorgio, but on the contrary, if we are involved upstream of the work, the risk of stopping the site decreases because we can find solutions that will avoid interrupting the work. »

The other big change that the archaeological profession has benefited from concerns their remuneration. In 2011, during the last census conducted by the ANA, 12% declared income of 15 to 24,000 euros per year which was insufficient. Today, 48% of them declare 18 to 24,000 euros in annual income, with some experts who can exceed a monthly salary of 4,000 euros. The ANA wants to consolidate the changes that have occurred in recent years by creating a professional order.

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