Are excavation works still ongoing?
SCA-vo — stress on first syllable. 'Scavare' = to dig/excavate.
Ask when you see archaeologists working or when parts of the site are roped off for excavation. Shows genuine interest in the ongoing nature of archaeology. Common at actively excavated sites like Pompeii.
'Scavo' (excavation) is the key word in Italian archaeology. 'Scavo archeologico' = archaeological dig. Pompeii is only about 2/3 excavated — new discoveries are still made regularly. 'Grande Progetto Pompei' (Great Pompeii Project) has funded major new excavations since 2012.
Quante aree devono ancora essere scavate?
How many areas still need to be excavated?
Pompeii still has about one third unexcavated.
Vengono ancora fatti ritrovamenti?
Are discoveries still being made?
Affirms the ongoing excitement of Italian archaeology.
Si può assistere agli scavi?
Can you watch the excavations?
Some sites allow visitor observation of active digs.
The 'Regio V' excavations at Pompeii (begun 2018) produced spectacular finds including intact frescoes, a thermopolium with food still in its containers, and a 'sorcerer's treasure' of amulets — making global headlines and proving Pompeii still has secrets to reveal.