Italy signs protocol to integrate archaeology with road construction

ANAS, Italy's state-owned road agency, and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage (MiBACT) have signed a two-year protocol to valorize archaeological discoveries made during roadworks. The agreement, presented alongside the volume "L'archeologia si fa strada" (Rubbettino), aims to transform archaeological finds from obstacles into opportunities for knowledge and employment. A key initiative is the creation of the new professional figure of "site archaeologist," combining humanities and technical skills to manage emergency finds. The protocol also includes €12.5 million in tenders for new jobs. The collaboration involves the nonprofit association Archeolog, which will care for artifacts and launch fundraising campaigns. The first volume of the editorial series "I percorsi dell'Archeologia" collects finds from across Italy, spanning from the 7th millennium BCE to the present. Minister Dario Franceschini stated that cultural heritage protection and infrastructure development can proceed together. The protocol was presented by Antimo Cesaro, Undersecretary of State at MiBACT, and includes contributions from Caterina Bon Valsassina, Director General for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape, and Guido Perosino, President of Archeolog.