24/07/2025 - Notes on the archaeological profession

Archaeology is a demanding profession that receives little social recognition. The physical effort required of those engaged in fieldwork projects is considerable. The time spent away from home and family can be very long.

Archaeologists work in both extreme cold and hot weather conditions. Psychologically, many suffer. Leaving this profession often indicates a sense of meaninglessness.

What is the reward?

The reward is the moment when, while excavating, one finds a fragment of pottery, a buried structure, or human remains, and understands that one is touching history. It is the emotion of the invisible becoming visible; it is knowing that, even in a world that values the immediate and the visible, some dedicate themselves to giving voice to the silence of the centuries.

It is also the community — sometimes small, but devoted — of those who share the same passion. It is hoping that, with increased recognition and investment, this dedication will translate into better conditions, greater stability, and increased social appreciation.

And finally, it is the conviction that preserving and interpreting the past is to build awareness for the future, even when all else fails.