Archeonaut - APT Basilicata

ateraFROM THE SCALPEL TOEXCAVATIONDomenico Ridola was a doctor andsenator of the Kingdom of Italy, aswell as a passionate archaeologist whounderstood the enormity and value ofthe treasures hidden in the territoryof Matera. He even launched the firstsuccessful excavation campaigns onTimmari hill and in Montescaglioso (15km from Matera), where a sanctuarydedicated to Greek divinities, includingDemeter, Persephone and Aphrodite,was discovered.Domenico Ridola ardently desired thatthe numerous findings unearthed duringthe various excavation campaignsshould be granted a permanent home.In 1911 he requested that Materabe provided with an ArchaeologicalMuseum; his request was granted, andtoday the museum bears his name.Domenico Ridola’s studio has beenreconstructed in one of the halls in themuseum, with its original furnishingsand detailed sketches and notesproduced by his own hand.Neolithic painted bowlThe “Ridola” studio room20 21