A Highest Purpose of Archaeology: Towards a Future Worthy of our Children

How could an archaeologist become ambassador of peace? This opinion paper collects some of the considerations underlying my academic works on the relationship between archaeology and human development. After a relatively short period of excavations in Europe (some years), I have chosen to ask myself what could possibly be the meaning of the archaeological research and the value of the archaeological remains for the society, beyond the role traditionally attributed to archaeology. Such a question catapulted me in a journey, a lifelong project based on the belief that archaeology - and cultural heritage in general - can effectively be one of the pillars of the so-called human development, and even vehicle of intercultural dialogue, global mutual understanding and peace. Perhaps, this can be considered one of the new skills of the archaeologists of the third millennium, that of linking dimensions apparently distant from that of archaeology, such as the policy of integration of migrants and refugees, the boost of intercultural skills for locals and visitors, the promotion of global mutual understanding and the creation of peace. And get ready to embrace the challenge of a higher purpose of archaeology.