A historical site can tell a very different story when explored with someone who has spent decades researching its past. For historian and author Joseph Walker, that deeper understanding is at the heart of travel. Through Italian History with Joseph’s Buried Italy series, he brings history enthusiasts closer to the events, civilizations, and cultural influences that shaped Italy and Greece.
How Buried Italy and Its Underground Focus Began
The origins of Buried Italy are closely connected to Joseph Walker’s personal journey through Italy’s history. His connection with the country began with a U.S. military assignment in 1988, which sparked a lifelong fascination with its historical and cultural landscape. According to his official biography, the initial posting near Naples inspired him to study history, leading to a master’s degree in the United States. By 1994, he had returned to Italy, driven by a desire to uncover the stories that conventional historical accounts often leave untold.
Over the following three decades, Walker personally guided more than 3,000 groups across Italy, developing an approach to travel grounded in historical research and storytelling. His expertise also led to work as a historical consultant for productions on the History Channel, the BBC, and the Discovery Channel.
These experiences helped shape the philosophy behind Buried Italy: exploring the buried cities, forgotten kingdoms, archaeological discoveries, and submerged landscapes that reveal Italy’s history beyond its familiar tourist destinations. Walker also helped pioneer underwater excursions to the sunken Roman ruins of Portus Julius near Naples, extending historical exploration into a world that most visitors would otherwise never encounter.
Today, the Buried Italy series brings this approach to travelers through historian-led small-group programs operated by Chameleon Travel Shop, which Walker helps manage. Through Italian History with Joseph, his expertise and passion for uncovering lesser-known histories become opportunities for travelers to engage with Italy in a more personal and meaningful way.
