Carlo de Marchesetti (Trieste, January 17, 1850 – April 1, 1926) was an important Italian archaeologist, paleontologist and botanist, a prominent figure in the cultural and scientific history of Trieste during the Habsburg period and in the first decades of the XX century.
Born into a family of ancient Bergamasque origin settled in Trieste, Marchesetti became director of the M用eo Civico di Storia Naturale of Trieste in 1876, a position he held until 1921, contributing decisively to the reorganization and expansion of the city's naturalistic and archaeological collections.
Activities at the Museum and Researches
During his tenure, Marchesetti conducted numerous and fundamental archaeological and paleontological researches in the Trieste hinterland, especially between 1883 and 1892.
His most significant discoveries include:
- The remains of cave bears and evidence of Paleolithic populations in the Grotta di Gabrovizza (also known as "Cave of the Bear").
- The exceptional necropolis of Santa Lucia di Tolmino, where he identified about 210 tombs dating back to the Bronze Age.
Contribution to the Castellieri
Marchesetti was among the first scholars to provide a scientific contribution to the knowledge of the castellieri, the prehistoric fortifications typical of the Julian area, which represent a fundamental element for understanding the cultures of the Bronze Age and the Iron Age in the territory between Trieste and the Carso.
Publications and Botanical Garden
In addition to field activities, he published numerous scientific essays, contributing significantly to the dissemination of historical and naturalistic knowledge of the territory, and he was also director of the city's Botanical Garden from 1903, recognized for his systematic activity in the natural sciences.
Legacy and Historical Context
His legacy is still celebrated in Trieste today, where one of the twelve castellieri in the area of Duino-Aurisina bears the name "Castelliere Carlo de Marchesetti" in his honor.
His work took place in a period of great social and cultural transformations, between the last century of Habsburg domination and the first post-war period, contributing to defining the scientific and historical identity of Trieste as a border city and crossroads of cultures.