Cataloging and Valorisation of Archaeological sites: the case of Marche Region

This paper analyzes those cataloging methods aimed at the conservation and enhancement of archaeological finds and focuses on the measures undertaken by the local Soprintendenza in the Marche region, which represents an interesting case study for the richness and diffusion of sites. Here, over the last 20 years, scientific research and many on site excavations have uncovered important information without getting a lot of credit. The Region, supported by laws, has recently outlined the “framework” of the local archaeological system, consisting of parks, sites or specific structures, defining priorities and procedures for an intervention plan. The implementation of this important tool has not coincided with an equally effective effort to promote sites by building exhibition facilities and to preserve artifacts by designing suitable protective structures. In case of excavations within archaeological parks, protection techniques are usually based on two types of approaches: temporary structures, built during excavation works, that finally become permanent even if not suitable in the long run; stable structures, designed for the musealization of the archeological area, whose formal values often prevail over conservation. Notwithstanding the Soprintendenza Archeologica‘s efforts of raising awareness, the lack of funding is getting increasingly difficult to ensure a correct management of archaeological sites. It seems therefore essential to reconsider a multidisciplinary and integrated approach in the knowledge of the history and archaeology of the Marche region, making exposition methods the natural purpose of research, for a touristic and economic development and for a full appreciation of our heritage.