Massimo Osanna

Massimo Osanna is a renowned academic in Classical Archaeology, currently serving as Professor at the University of Naples Federico II and General Director of the Parco archeologico di Pompei since 2014. His career spans leadership roles such as Professor at the University of Basilicata (1997-2014) and affiliations with institutions like the École Normale Supérieure and University of Heidelberg.

Osanna specializes in the archaeology of Greek and Roman religion, topography of Ancient South Italy, and conservation of cultural heritage, with a focus on sites like Pompeii and Magna Graecia. His research bridges Indigenous cultures of South Italy and theoretical approaches to excavation.

Oversight of projects like "Pompei e l'Europa 1748-1943" and "Segni del potere. Oggetti di lusso dal Mediterraneo nell'Appennino lucano" underscores his influence in Mediterranean archaeology. His work emphasizes integrating written sources with archaeological evidence, as seen in his editions of Pausania's texts.

• Scientific Awards
  • 2013: Visiting Professor, École Normale Supérieure, Paris / France
  • 2007: Directeur d'Études, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Paris / France
  • 1993-1994: Scholarship from Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung, Germany

Osanna's leadership extends to roles like Superintendant of Soprintendenza ai Beni Archeologici della Basilicata and co-founding initiatives on Lucanian sanctuaries. His collaborations with institutions like the German Archaeological Institute highlight his international impact.