Paolo Matthiae’s name is inextricably linked to the major archaeological expedition – comprising a succession of uninterrupted campaigns he directed between 1964 and 2010 – that led to the discovery of the ancient city of Ebla in Syria. Gazing into the past, the renowned archaeologist unravels the memories accumulated during his exceptional life and research experience, amidst extraordinary gratifications, bitter difficulties, significant rewards, and unpredictable disappointments. This memoir allows readers to share the vibrant emotions associated with his finds, the sorrowful regret for the academic and political tensions underlying his discoveries, and the courage with which the scholar was able to face and overcome the many problems that arose in areas marked by endless conflicts.

Paolo Matthiae is professor emeritus at the Sapienza University in Rome as well as a member of Italy’s Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and several international academies.