Mario Biffarella and Remembrances five years after his passing

Here's the English translation of the interview with Francesco Modica:

Francesco Saverio Modica, Francesco to everyone, is a young archaeologist from Mistretta and the son of Vincenzo, a highly decorated marathon runner of international renown. However, Francesco chose to run his personal marathon between archaeological digs, at a very special pace that alternates between the frenzy of unearthing a discovery of exceptional importance and the meticulous slowness inherent in the delicate work he has chosen to do.

I met Francesco during one of the most exciting moments of his brief but already intense experience as an archaeologist. We found ourselves in Tusa, at the site of Halaesa Arconidea, during one of the few breaks from the excavation that Francesco has been following with particular passion, still electrified by an exceptional discovery that we will discuss later.

A Passion for Archaeology and Early Discoveries

Francesco, in recent months it's been really difficult to talk to you calmly: your work as an archaeologist keeps you very busy, and I'd like to understand better why you chose this profession and the results you've achieved so far.

"My passion for archaeology goes way back. When I was four years old, I visited this place with my mother, and from then on, I never forgot it. My high school years in Mistretta further fueled this passion. In fact, after my studies, I spent many of my afternoons visiting the countryside surrounding the town, rich with ancient paths leading to special places. I often stumbled upon pottery shards, exposed structures, and ruined churches, which only fueled my imagination. This slowly transformed into a passion and a desire to delve deeper. I earned my master's degree in Archaeology three years ago and am now completing my PhD at the University of Palermo. Throughout my university journey, I continued to explore the territory, this time in Sicily, identifying lands and areas that could potentially host archaeological sites. My master's thesis, which builds on work done about twenty years ago by Professor Burgio, allowed me to update the mapping of areas of archaeological interest in the Aleso valley, increasing them from 155 to 245."

A Deep Connection to Halaesa Arconidea

It's no coincidence that we are meeting at Halaesa Arconidea, an archaeological site not far from your Mistretta. This is a special place for you, and I'd like to know what connects you to this territory: you are clearly going against the trend of so many of your peers who leave Sicily to work elsewhere.

"Fortunately, my work allows me to live in my homeland, and I've been frequenting Halaesa for ten years now. Imagine, I live only 500 meters away as the crow flies, so my connection to this place is truly deep and special. Living in the territory, I am aware of the beauties it holds but also of the difficulties and contradictions it presents. However, I find it 'natural' to live and stay here. I deeply love these places because I experience them every day, in all their facets. Here, I am fulfilling my adolescent dream: to excavate at Halaesa and restore the historical truth to this very important site."

The Founding of Halaesa and its Roman Alliance

Let's talk about Halaesa: in 403 BC, Archonides of Hèrbitas founded a settlement that would later become the city of Halaesa Arconidea. Who was Archonides, and what were the historical reasons that led him to leave Hèrbitas and move, with his people, to this distant corner of Sicily?

"We don't know much about the Archonides: most likely, the founder of Halaesa was Archonides II, grandson of Archonides I, who transferred a large group of Sicels from Hèrbitas to the northern coast of the island. After the Peloponnesian War, with the defeat of Athens and the victory of Syracuse allied with Sparta, Sicily experienced a moment of great confusion: Carthage took advantage of the conflict by attacking the southern coasts from Agrigento to Camarina, Himera was destroyed, and therefore many displaced people were forced to move elsewhere in search of calmer areas to settle.

Hèrbitas, presumably located in the mountains between Nicosia and Gangi, welcomed a very high number of civilians fleeing the destroyed cities. However, it soon became overpopulated, creating discontent among the inhabitants and forcing its lord to transfer part of the population to the lands north of Sicily. Halaesa was thus founded, which, however, experienced a difficult period in the first century since the Carthaginians, meanwhile, had pushed as far as the mouth of the Pollina river."

Halaesa thus became a very important center of the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the discoveries made so far: what do the remains of the ancient city tell us?

"At the beginning of the First Punic War, in 264 BC, Halaesa decided to ally with Rome; in fact, it was among the first to do so. This allowed it to free itself from the 'decima' of tributes, thus leaving the grain quota in the city that would otherwise have been destined for Rome. Up to the first century AD, Halaesa experienced its best period because it was able to invest a lot of money in public works such as the agora and the sacred temples. In short, the choice to ally with Rome from the outset proved to be decidedly winning."

A Remarkable Discovery: The Baths of Halaesa

Let's get to the present day and the news of the moment: the fifth excavation campaign conducted by the University of Palermo has, among other things, brought to light a thermal area of exceptional importance that further strengthens the idea that Halaesa Arconidea, all things considered, is still yet to be fully discovered.

"We estimate that the total surface area of the city extends over 15.5 hectares, but the state-owned area is smaller, so further land would need to be expropriated. It must also be said that almost all archaeological sites have only unearthed a part of the ancient cities, and it's the same for Halaesa; it would take decades of incessant excavations to unearth the entire site. Regarding the recent discovery, which adds to previous ones concerning the agora, the sanctuary, and the theater, we knew of the existence of a thermal complex, but we certainly couldn't have imagined unearthing such an extensive and important work. There is still much to excavate, but certainly, we are facing one of the largest thermal buildings in Sicily."

A Lifelong Commitment

Francesco, a final customary question: for how long will the attractive force of your land be able to keep you in our territory?

"I think forever: I don't want to leave."

Neither do we, Francesco. Thank you.

Mistretta is solidifying its position as a significant cultural hub in the Nebrodi region. Following its successful inaugural edition in 2024, the event titled "Amastra che legge in festa 2025, the Festival of Books and Reading" is making its return.

With the patronage of the Municipality of Mistretta and the collaboration of numerous local associations and educational institutions, the event promises to strengthen the deep cultural sensitivity already demonstrated by the Amastratina community towards books and culture. This characteristic allowed Mistretta to compete as a finalist for Italian Book Capital 2025 through a project of great cultural, social, and identifying value, stemming from its recognition as a "Reading City" in 2024 by Cepell.

The book, therefore, takes center stage for an entire month rich in exhibitions, presentations, readings, educational workshops, and debates. Thus, within the framework of "May of Books," it will be interpreted not only as a tool for cultural dissemination but also for social cohesion and growth.

The festivities kick off on April 23rd with the exhibition "M'illumino leggendo" (I Light Up Reading), part of World Book and Copyright Day, organized by the I.C. Tusa-Mistretta at the Municipal Library. This will be followed by an interesting dialogue, entirely in Mistrettese dialect, titled "Mistretta, Identity and Narrative," featuring Corriere della Sera journalist Alessio Ribaudo and Vito Ribaudo, Human Resources Director of RCS. In the following days, various authors will be met, including Margherita Neri, Sara Magnoli, Tea Ranno, Mariangela Biffarella, Francesca Maccani, Mattia Corrente, and Massimiliano Città.

The initiative benefits from the valuable collaboration of the Pro Loco Mistretta APS Association, the Tusa-Mistretta Comprehensive Institute, the IIS A. Manzoni Mistretta, the Libreria Capitolo 18, the Hakuna Matata Association, the La Valle delle cascate di Mistretta Association, and the FIDAPA section of Mistretta.

If you're looking for a place where history, culture, and entertainment blend harmoniously, Halaesa Nebrodi is your next ideal destination. We're thrilled to invite you to immerse yourself in a unique experience, rich in events that will capture your every interest.

A Calendar Full of Emotions

Get ready to live unforgettable moments with a packed calendar of events designed for every taste:

• Music: Let yourself be carried away by the melodies that will resonate through our streets, with concerts ranging from the most traditional genres to more contemporary notes.

• Folk Traditions: Discover the most authentic soul of Sicily by participating in our traditional celebrations, where ancient costumes, dances, and flavors come alive.

• Cabaret: Treat yourself to evenings of good humor with cabaret shows that will bring more than a few smiles to your face.

• Art: Explore exhibitions and installations that highlight local and international talent, immersing yourself in the beauty that surrounds us.

• Sports: If you love physical activity, you'll find sports events for every level, from nature walks to more challenging competitions.

• Theatrical Performances: Experience the magic of outdoor theater, with performances that will enchant you and make you reflect.

And that's not all! You can also look forward to tastings of local products, artisan workshops, and many other surprises.

Halaesa Nebrodi Awaits You!

Every corner of Halaesa Nebrodi holds a story, an emotion, an attraction ready to be discovered. Don't miss the chance to experience an authentic, fun, and culturally stimulating vacation. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a music lover, a connoisseur of traditions, or simply looking for pure relaxation and entertainment, you'll find what you're looking for.

Come and visit us in Halaesa Nebrodi and enjoy its countless attractions! We look forward to making your vacation an unforgettable one.