Berlusconi closes down the Italian School of Archaeology at Athens

Some time ago the Italian government announced severe cuts in public costs in attempt to ‘save’ the economy from the disgrace that Greece is going through. It seems that, among other cuts, they decided to sacrifice to the altar of money the Italian Institute of Archaeology at Athens. This School was established in 1909 and celebrated its centenary anniversary only last year. Apart from its celebrated library, it also operates the excavations at Aegialeia, Thuria, Poliochne, Hephesteia, Chloe, Phaistos, Aghia Triada and Gortyna. The fate of all of these excavations is currently at stake. Our Italian colleagues are looking for our support. They set up a website where you can sign their online petition. The website is http://www.petizionionline.it/petizione/cessazione-dei-finanziamenti-alla-saia-cronaca-di-una-morte-annunciata/1363 . The petition can be signed at the form Firma La Petizione. I am afraid the site is in Italian. Just enter your name and email before you click on the button Firma. There are already 740 signatures.