The Laboratory

The Laboratory of History, Archaeology, Epigraphy and Traditions from Antiquity (SAET) was founded in 2016 by Andrea Giardina and is...

The Laboratory of History, Archaeology, Epigraphy and Traditions from Antiquity (SAET) was founded in 2016 by Andrea Giardina and is currently directed by Anna Magnetto. The interdisciplinary structure and the synergy of specialised experts are the key strengths of this unusual research group: it has complex thematic and chronological width, agile interactions, and a formidable impact in the science and traditions of antiquity in terms of systematic depth, education and outreach.

Historians, art historians, philologists, archaeologists, computer scientists and specialists in the most up-to-date technologies for cultural heritage are the scientific and technical heart of SAET: our “Staff” has a wealth of skills and resources in addition to thirty years of activities and experience in Sicily and Magna Graecia. The SAET promotes such competence by pursuing new scientific research and a broad dissemination of knowledge.

Research areas are both strongly influenced by the consolidated humanistic tradition of the Scuola Normale Superiore and highly innovative. The “Projects” combine the methodological rigour of investigation with improved communication: sources and documents, lexicon and material culture, findings and traces from antiquity are tiles of an interactive, self-relating mosaic that reconstructs itself project by project. The most productive tools for the dynamic organization and continuity of research are the dissemination of results and the print circulation through the “Publications”, along with the databases and virtual reconstructions in the “Resources”. Moreover, the Laboratory “Meetings” stand out, as they are planned for diverse audiences, with particular attention to research methods aimed at careful observation, flexible rethinking and ease of communication.

Promoting and disseminating and, above all, research training: the SAET perfectly reflects the well-established mission of the Scuola Normale Superiore, innovating the tradition.