Use and Protection of Archaeological Sites in Greece: Policies and Practices 1975–2018

Katerina Hartzoulaki

doi:10.3390/heritage2010025

Abstract

The use of archaeological sites in Greece today is a controversial subject, often stirring public discussion and dispute. This paper, which presents some results of the author’s PhD research, focuses on the use of archaeological sites for artistic and creative purposes. More specifically, it examines the use of ancient theaters and the use of archaeological sites for filming through the study of the relevant legislation, the policies and practices adopted by the Greek state administration, as well as relevant examples. Furthermore, it aims to identify shifts in ideological perceptions and policies, which have possibly taken place within the time scope of the research, covering the period from 1975 to 2018.

Highlights

The use of archaeological sites is a topic which often receives attention in mainstream media and social networks in Greece, as well as a subject of heated political debate
It examines the basic elements of the legal framework for the use of archaeological sites in Greece, namely those belonging to the state, and brings attention to ideological aspects of the content of legal texts [7], drawing on the existing literature on the national symbolic value attributed to archaeological heritage in Greece [4,5,6]
The choice of the period is accounted for by the fact that its starting point coincides with the entry into force of a new Constitution in Greece, following the abolition of the 7-year military Junta one year earlier, and the re-establishment of democracy; these events marked the transition of the country to an era of political changeover, which is characterized by distinct policies regarding the management of archaeological heritage and its uses, compared to the policies of the preceding period [8,9]

Summary

Introduction

The use of archaeological sites is a topic which often receives attention in mainstream media and social networks in Greece, as well as a subject of heated political debate. This work aims to contribute to the relevant discussion by addressing the particular topic of artistic and creative uses of archaeological sites, from a legal, ideological, and political point of view It examines the basic elements of the legal framework for the use of archaeological sites in Greece, namely those belonging to the state, and brings attention to ideological aspects of the content of legal texts [7], drawing on the existing literature on the national symbolic value attributed to archaeological heritage in Greece [4,5,6]. The choice of the period is accounted for by the fact that its starting point coincides with the entry into force of a new Constitution in Greece, following the abolition of the 7-year military Junta one year earlier, and the re-establishment of democracy; these events marked the transition of the country to an era of political changeover, which is characterized by distinct policies regarding the management of archaeological heritage and its uses, compared to the policies of the preceding period [8,9]

Legal and Administrative Framework

The Use of Ancient Theaters

Filming in Archaeological Sites

Conclusions