L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 A r c h a e o l o g y i s a source of wealth. Setting aside its i m m e a s u r a b l e c u l t u r a l v a l u e , which is beyond price, it has a significant economic impact on tourism, employment, local economies, and regional devel- opment. While the historical under- standing and beauty of arti- facts — patiently recovered from the dust of the past— belong to a separate realm, far removed from commercial The unexpected role of archaeology: culture as a driver of economic development From the Editor considerations, it is undeniable that in today's world, every- thing has a monetary value. Monuments, statues, and pot- tery all translate into economic returns. A few figures are enough to illustrate this. In 2023, Pom- peii welcomed over 4.087 million visitors, a number that increased to 4.177 million in 2024. Ticket sales alone make it Italy's fourth most-visited archaeological site, surpassed only by the Colosseum Archaeological Park, the Pantheon in Rome, and the Uffizi Galleries in Florence. This means that, every day of the year, millions of people travel, stay in accommodations, eat in restaurants, visit landmarks, and shop. In other words, they spend. Archaeological discoveries attract millions of visitors from around the world. Historical sites, museums, and archaeo- logical parks become major tourist destinations, generating significant revenue for local communities. A place like Pom- peii not only tells ancient stories and continuously unveils fascinating mysteries but also serves as an economic resource, thanks to entrance fees and the entire tourism industry surrounding it — from tour guides and restaurants to souvenir shops. Cultural tourism also creates jobs. Archaeology requires a vast range of professionals, from researchers and excavation workers to conservation specialists and experts in cutting- edge investigative technologies. At the same time, it sustains a network of collateral activities, including hospitality, cater- ing, and transportation. The preservation of cultural heritage also requires signifi- cant financial investment. Both governments and private organizations allocate substantial funds to restore and main- tain archaeological sites. In Pompeii alone, the Italian gov- ernment has earmarked €33 million (approximately $36 million USD) to fund new excavation campaigns, scheduled maintenance, restoration work, and site enhancement, as well as development projects for the surrounding area. These investments are not only crucial for protecting historical her- itage but also generate an economic impact by stimulating demand for materials, employing skilled labor, and sustain- ing key industries such as construction, craftsmanship, and advanced technologies. Research in archaeology has led to the development of innovative tools that extend far beyond historical studies. 3D scanning, digital reconstruction, and data analysis tech- niques — initially developed for cultural preservation — are now applied to architecture, urban planning, and scientific conservation methods. Archaeology is not just a discipline focused on the past — it actively contributes to the present and the future. Beyond its direct economic benefits, archaeology plays a key role in urban and social regeneration. The discovery of new sites can spur urban redevelopment, promote cultural initiatives, enhance education, and improve local living con- ditions. The commitment to preserving historical heritage does not just enrich the cultural fabric of a city — it also attracts investors, strengthens local economies, and encour- ages innovation in the cultural sector. However, achieving the right balance between profit and preservation is essential. The past must be respected, pro- tected, and valued, ensuring that its primary significance remains cultural, not merely economic. The sustainable management of archaeological resources is the key to ensur- ing that economic benefits never come at the expense of his- tory but rather work in harmony to preserve and celebrate it for generations to come. Simone Schiavinato, Editor Simone Schiavinato NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS Member of FUSIE (Federazione Unitaria Stampa Italianaall'Estero), COGITO L'Italo-Americano Please send correspondence to P.O. Box 40156 Pasadena CA 91114 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano Newspaper (a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization), www.italoamericano.org, is the largest and longest-running Italian news- paper in America, not to mention the cultural and news resource for all things Italian in the US. A bilingual newspaper which represents an historical landmark for the Italian American Communities in the West Coast and throughout the US. L'Italo-Americano benefits from subsidies by the Italian Government, Memberships and Donations intended to support and not interrupt a mission that began in 1908 to preserve and promote the Italian language and culture in the USA Periodicals postage paid at Monrovia, California 91016, and additional mailing offices. PUBLISHER Robert Barbera Grande Ufficiale EDITOR IN CHIEF Simone Schiavinato ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Patrick Abbate EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Barbara Minafra COPY EDITOR Francesca Bezzone LOS ANGELES CONTRIBUTOR Silvia Nittoli SAN FRANCISCO CONTRIBUTOR Serena Perfetto SEATTLE CONTRIBUTOR Rita Cipalla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mariella Radaelli, Matt Walker, Francesca Bezzone, Luca Ferrari, Stefano Carnevali, Paula Reynolds, Teresa Di Fresco Nicoletta Curradi, Generoso D'Agnese, Jessica S. Levy, Fabrizio Del Bimbo, Maria Gloria, Chuck Pecoraro, Anthony Di Renzo Serena Perfetto, Kenneth Scambray, Chiara D'Alessio, Luca Signorini, Giulia Franceschini © 2024 L'Italo-Americano Membership: One year $59 - Single copy $2.25 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to L'Italo Americano P.O. Box 40156 Pasadena CA 91114 Selling Homes Throughout The Bay Area Adele Della Santina "The Right Realtor makes all the di昀erence." 650.400.4747 Adele.DellaSantina@compass.com www.AdeleDS.com DRE# 00911740 Expert in preparation, promotion, and negotiation! I t is with a heavy heart that we share our beloved Maria Gloria left us, aged 93. For us all, she was a stable, loving and cher- ished presence, the voice of a generation who shaped the community deeply. She loved to say, "Better than the gold of kings is the memory of happy things:" so, thank you, Maria Gloria, for the many "memories of happy things" you have given us all. Ci mancherai moltissimo, The Editorial Team

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