Gabriele Iudica

Gabriele Iudica (or Judica) (Palazzolo Acreide, 9 August 1760 – Palazzolo Acreide, 3 May 1835) was an Italian archaeologist, nobleman, and patron. He is best known for his excavations at the ancient site of Akrai (Akrai/Acrae), and for his pioneering role in the archaeological exploration of southeastern Sicily.

Life

He was born to Don Michele Iudica and Carmela Danieli and inherited the baronial title of Baulì in 1797 upon his father's death. After obtaining a degree in utroque iure (both civil and canon law), he served as a civil judge. He took part in the political life of his town and served for several years as a municipal decurion. In 1821, he was a member of the Commission of Sicilians at the Parliament of Naples and was also a provincial deputy. However, his political involvement was never intense, as he was more interested in family matters and his passion for archaeology, likely inspired by contacts with foreign travelers such as Jean-Pierre Houël.

Iudica began his excavations, which led to the discovery of the ancient city of Akrai near Palazzolo, in 1809, initially without royal authorization. He did inform the royal Custodian of Antiquities of Noto and Demone, Saverio Landolina. The latter's successor opposed Iudica's initiative, prompting him in 1811 to request official authorization, which was granted in August 1811.

In 1824, in a letter published in the journal Giornale di scienze, lettere ed arti per la Sicilia, he announced the discovery of the Theatre of Akrai. The Akrai excavations were financed entirely at his own expense on land he had purchased, and he established a museum in his palace to house all the archaeological finds he had discovered. By 1828, he was considered the wealthiest man in Palazzolo, with an annual declared income of 1,536 onze (Sicilian currency).

Works