Conservation and restoration of archaeological sites

Natural disasters, such as floods, fires, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, can cause the complete destruction of a site.

[5] The most effective way to protect archaeological sites from these larger events is to formulate a risk management plan.

Climate projections also show that changes in rainfall (intensity and frequency), increases in temperature and frequency of heatwaves, rising sea levels and groundwater fluctuations, warmer seas and ocean acidification will also result in changes to flora and fauna, ground conditions (on and below the surface) will affect archaeological deposits and structures.

This determination was made due to construction activities destroying any information that was important in prehistory or history that was remaining at the site.

Looting is often the main source of artifacts that enter into the antiquities market, in which objects are sold domestically or exported internationally.

In the United States, there are laws for the protection of archaeological sites that contain penalties for those who choose to loot or cause disturbances.

In a word, the context is destroyed without record, so that most of the information vital to the fullest study and reconstruction of the past is irremediably lost to the world.

Efforts by the Monuments Men during World War II is an example of an organized plan to protect the art and history of Europe from destruction at the hands of the Nazis.

The Monuments Men played a significant role in attempts to repatriate art stolen during World War II.

[12] The goal of archaeologists in the conservation of excavation sites is "to preserve the physical remains of our past and to employ them in perpetuating our historical heritage".

Assessment and Analysis[16] Response[16] Visitors can have an impact on the conservation of archaeological sites themselves and not necessarily always positive ones.

In 2007, the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) had to close access to the canyon to off-road vehicles due to the damage it was causing to local archaeological sites.

It is important for visitors to understand their own impact on archaeological sites they visit and be mindful of how they can contribute to their deterioration if they are not careful.

Such sites open to the public should educate and inform visitors of such impacts if they wish for them to be truly aware, as many are likely unaware of how easily they can become damaged.

"[18] The aim of reconstruction is to "preserve and reveal the aesthetic and historic value of the monument and is based on respect for original material and authentic documents.

[19] An example of this can be seen in the work of Sir Arthur Evans at the ancient city Knossos, an archaeological site on the Greek island of Crete.

For example, when you visit Knossos, because of the way it is reconstructed, it is very easy to believe that all that was ever found there was a Late Bronze Age palace", instead of a place that stood well into the Roman era.

The movement of these temples was expensive as well as challenging, but if the move did not take place they would be completely underwater due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam.