Protection Of Archaeological Heritage Research Articles

The Use of Immersive Technologies as a Representation Tool in the Protection of Archaeological Heritage

The preservation of the archaeological heritage with appropriate techniques and methods ensures that it is transferred to future generations in a sustainable way. Various laws, charters and regulations at the national and international level serve as a guide for the right conservation approaches in these areas. However, ensuring sustainability in the protection of cultural heritage is possible by transferring information to society through correct presentation techniques and creating awareness and consciousness in individuals. With the rapid developments in technology, computer-based visualization techniques are used in the presentation of cultural heritage. It has been seen in digital applications that started to be developed in the 2000’s that immersive technologies such as VR and AR, which are applied in fields such as education, health, automotive, entertainment, etc., can be used effectively in the presentation of cultural heritage. In this article, international steps taken in the protection of archaeological heritage and immersive technologies are mentioned, the purposes of using these technologies as a presentation technique in the protection of archaeological heritage are classified and evaluated through examples. Technologies such as VR and AR have been found to be an effective tool in the representation of archaeological heritage and it is aimed that the examples presented will have an encouraging effect for more effective studies in the future.

Preparing the Romanian National Archaeological Datasets for ARIADNE

The contribution of the Romanian National Institute of Heritage (NIH) to the ARIADNE catalogue consists of 22,298 cultural resources, 18,277 of which are archaeological sites and 4021 are fieldwork reports. The two types of data were extracted from the two repositories that INP manages: the National Archaeological Repertory and the Chronicle of Archaeological Research. In Romania, the legislation regarding the protection of archaeological heritage establishes the National Archaeological Repertory as the means of managing the scientific data relating to the archaeological heritage, and of mapping archaeological sites as well as the threats to them. In addition, the same legislation stipulates that preliminary excavation reports should be published in a volume edited by the National Archaeology Commission, if the research was financed by public funds. As a result, for better dissemination, the reports are uploaded to a database. Both the Repertory and the Chronicle are accessible online through the INP management web portal. In order to fulfil the NIH's obligations within the ARIADNEplus project, several corrections and changes were made to the structures of both repositories (RAN and Chronicle) and data had to be updated. First of all, a photo upload module that illustrates both an archaeological site, perceived as a landscape, and its various components was developed. At the same time, the NIH team carried out a campaign to map the archaeological sites using coordinates in the WGS84 system, using various cartographic resources, such as topographic maps, aerial photographs and satellite images. The third activity consisted of creating a hierarchical list of archaeological site types and their components to support a more accurate description and retrieval of database records. Conversion of the RAN archaeological records to AO-Cat compliant RDF data was the fourth activity conducted by NIIH in order to include the RAN records in the ARIADNE Knowledge Base. Subsequently, a hierarchical list of the archaeological periods used in Romanian archaeology was developed, where every period is described by three main components: name, time interval and geographical area. This list has been converted to the PeriodO format and will be imported into the gazetteer.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF A.N. MOLOTILOV IN THE BARABINSK FOREST-STEPPE IN 1912

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF A.N. MOLOTILOV IN THE BARABINSK FOREST-STEPPE IN 1912

Geomagnetic and FDEM Methods in the Roman Archaeological Site of Bocca Delle Menate (Comacchio, Italy)

The increasing use of geophysical investigations for archaeological purposes is now provided also by Italian reforms about preventive archaeology. They allow not only the discovery or the spatial definition of possible buried archaeological evidence, but they are also able to define the state of preservation of ancient structures. The Bocca delle Menate archaeological site is in Comacchio village territory, situated in Ferrara provence (Emilia Romagna region, Italy). The archeological site provides important evidence of the Roman presence in the Po Delta (Italy). The Roman villa was excavated between 1958 and 1959, during the reclaiming works in the Mezzano Valley (Comacchio, Ferrara). An archaeological preliminary survey and a geophysical field trip using Geomagnetic and Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Methods were carried out, following the aim to identify the planimetry of the villa previously excavated and eventually newly discovered archaeological remains. The geomagnetic results detected the archaeological buried structures, even if the original disposition of them is not completely highlighted. The electromagnetic method was able to depict the geological and geomorphological background surrounding the Roman villa. The obtained results highlighted that the applied geophysical methods are excellent tools for the preservation, protection, and monitoring of archaeological heritage previously excavated, adding to their already known importance as best tools for new archaeological buried remains detections.

Archaeology of the Modern era and contemporary archaeology in Hungary?

According to the current legislation in Hungary, finds and relics buried before CE 1711, representing material remains of historical periods dating before that, are considered archaeological heritage. In other words, the Middle Ages and a large part of the Early Modern Period are still classified as being of archaeological interest in the legislative environment in Hungary, whereas the end of the Early Modern Period and the Late Modern Period are not. This boundary, which is linked to a specific historical date, is quite different from the legal framework in many European countries, where the time limit for studying, processing and, above all, the protection of archaeological heritage is defined flexibly, always preceding the current date by a hundred years. The archaeology of the Modern Period or even contemporary archaeology has become recognised as a discipline in many countries, and many other fields and heritage management conceptions do not limit archaeology and the exploration of the past to particular historical periods. This article attempts to summarise all the research directions in Hungary where the traditional chronological boundary is no longer taken into consideration in daily practice or even the legislative framework of the particular field. Due to limited space, this summary cannot be comprehensive; nonetheless, it makes a point that, based on the current state of research, +it is problematic to stick to the current chronological framework in legislation.

Група моніторингу археологічних ландшафтів — презентація діяльності та перші результати роботи

In conditions of active military operations in Ukraine, scientists and activists drew attention to the fact that the archaeological heritage of Ukraine is suffering great damage. Archaeological objects cannot be restored after destruction, the information contained in them disappears forever. That is why it is important to draw society’s attention to such issues as the protection and preservation of archaeological heritage. That is why the Archaeological Landscape Monitoring Group was created. Members of the organization actively spread information about cultural monuments in Ukraine during the war and participate in Ukrainian and international events aimed at highlighting this information. In particular, a scientific and practical seminar was held, at which representatives of various educational and scientific institutions participated. The fact that the seminar was interrupted by Russian shelling became symbolic. Much attention was paid to the monitoring of archaeological sites and their museumification. Unfortunately, even in the pre-war period, the archaeological heritage was in a state of crisis, which is manifested in the lack of documentation and the algorithm of actions in emergency situations. During the work, the Group focuses on the problems of the current state of archaeological research in Ukraine and cooperates with scientists in this field at the national and international levels. Keywords: archaeological heritage, military operations, monitoring, museumification, scientific and practical seminar.

Fundamentals of legal regulation of archaeological research in independent Ukraine

The article reinterprets the process of legal support for archaeological research in independent Ukraine. The formation of the legislative framework for the protection and use of historical and cultural monuments was monitored. The «Regulations on the State Register of National Cultural Property» was considered. Attention is focused on the laws «On the protection of cultural and historical heritage» and «On the protection of archaeological heritage», which were adopted with the aim of improving the legal regulation of the protection and preservation of material remains of the past, and the effectiveness of their use in practice is analyzed. The relationship between the current legislation of Ukraine and the development of archaeological research is indicated. The powers of central executive bodies and other cultural heritage protection bodies, without which the implementation of archaeological research at the legislative level is impossible, are considered. Attention is paid to permits for conducting archaeological explorations, excavations and other earthworks. The importance of the preparation of scientific reports by archaeologists in archaeological activities was noted, and it was indicated that thanks to the detailed regulation of the process of conducting archaeological research and submitting scientific reports, the state of archaeological sources improved. Attention is focused on revealing the activities of the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Department «Field Committee», which monitors the quality of professional excavations on the territory of Ukraine. The rights and responsibilities of archaeological heritage researchers are highlighted, the legal status of the archaeological expedition is considered. The main provisions of the Code of Ethics of a Professional Archaeologist, which was created to determine the basic moral and ethical norms of professional archaeologists' activities and their attitude to archaeological heritage, are reflected. Attention was paid to the activities of research centers: «Rescue Archeology Service» (1994), «Protection Archeology Service of Ukraine» (2001), «Centre of Archeology of Kyiv of the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine» (2006), which allows identifying and saving valuable monuments tombs of different archaeological periods. It is noted that a significant problem in the field of archaeological heritage protection is the coordination of the activities of developers and subjects of economic activity with the bodies of cultural heritage protection. The importance of cooperation of state bodies for the protection of historical and cultural heritage with archaeological institutions was considered, it was noted that this cooperation will allow to develop an effective system of protection of archaeological heritage, to carry out professional certification of monuments of the past, to improve legislative and regulatory acts, which as a result could improve the state of preservation of monuments of archeology and reduce their theft. It is indicated that in 2021, the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine issued «Proposals on improving the legal protection of archaeological heritage...» to speed up the process of Ukraine joining the Council of Europe Convention, which will allow to more effectively fight against illegal construction works, «treasure hunters» and minimize destruction of archaeological monuments. Key words: monument protection legislation, archaeological heritage protection, archaeological research, scientific report, archaeological monuments.

The ArchTerr Project—A GIS-Based Integrated System for Cultural and Archaeological Heritage Protection (Pilot Phase Tested in Romania)

This paper presents the results of an experimental-demonstrative research project summarizing three integrated products: an interactive digital map; a reference and record keeping database system; and a set of procedures to enforce the unified application of archaeological heritage protection legislation in Romania. The web-based application constitutes a permanent working tool available to the Romanian Ministry of Culture territorial branch offices, and is freely accessible to specialists and other entities involved in the protection of archaeological heritage, and even to private investors interested in development on land areas having archaeological heritage. The application brings together the organization, systematization, and digitization of all available information about archaeological sites at the national level. This information is otherwise difficult to access because it is structured differently in terms of quantity and quality of data, and stored using different media and formats in several types of non-interconnected institutions. The ArchTerr application significantly reduces the time required to inform, verify, and communicate a decision regarding the presence or absence of archaeological heritage on a particular site. The application ensures the dynamic and automatic real-time bidirectional conversion of geospatial information (Stereo70 and WGS84), and access to unitary and level-structured information, and provides interoperability with other information systems. High-resolution maps allow the non-professional user/investor to access detailed geospatial information about a delimited area, in a timely manner and without the need for field travel, which is a unique feature not found in other European record systems concerning archeological sites. The functionalities of the application developed within the research project, the technical decisions taken, and their implementation method are generally valid. They can be applied in any geographical region because the open source maps used by the technical team cover the world map and the coordinate system used for representation is international. The testing and validation of these functionalities were undertaken using real archaeological data from Romania (data already included in the national heritage representing archaeological sites).

Reflections to Advance the Collaborative Production of Knowledge and Protection of Archaeological Heritage in Uruguay

AbstractIn Uruguay, there are records of archaeological collections at least since Darwin's visit in 1832. Since then, the role of collections and collectors has been changing in relation to official institutions, researchers, and professional archaeologists. In the years following the creation of the university degree in anthropology, during the 1980s and 1990s, academic and official speeches considered collectors one of the greatest threats to the development of the discipline in the country. Their collections were seen as useless for research, and it was argued that they had no context. New generations of archaeologists have been reversing this situation, redefining the research of archaeological collections and reviewing the relationships and interactions with nonacademic stakeholders. We present some of our experiences here, based on students’ training in this line of work, the integration of responsible and responsive collectors in the research process and site conservation, the collaborative register of archaeological sites, and the promotion of donation or conservation of collections (avoiding commercialization). We propose possible work methodologies at the national level, such as the formation of research groups, which involve the coparticipation of different stakeholders, the development of a professional code of ethics, and changes in legislation.

Arqueología Incluyente

AbstractIn Mexico, archaeological heritage belongs to all members of society, according to section XXV of Article 73 of the Mexican Constitution and Article 27 of the federal law on monuments and archaeological sites. The Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) was founded in 1939 as a federal government agency for the research, protection, and dissemination of archaeological heritage. Although this heritage belongs to all, stringent rules and procedures create an unequal relationship between career professionals and the diverse communities interested in the past (i.e., collectors, local museums, descendant communities). It is long due to begin practicing an inclusive archaeology that considers all the various knowledge systems (i.e., academic, technical, local, and traditional) of the communities interested in the past. Here, we describe case studies from Sonora, Mexico, to propose the implementation of several far-reaching activities with artifact collectors, Indigenous communities, researchers, archaeologists, and INAH Sonora authorities. Our pilot proposal needs to be implemented in other areas of Mexico that continue to prioritize archaeological narratives over other narratives about our past.

Protection and popularization of archaeological heritage as an object of activity of a nongovernmental organisation supported by a university – an example of medieval ducal tower in Siedlęcin near Jelenia Góra

The tower in Siedlęcin near Jelenia Góra is one of the best-preserved keeps in Central Europe. Since the beginning of the 21st century it has been open to visitors. In 2008 archaeological research of the tower and its surroundings was started, two years later the Association ‘Ducal Tower in Siedlęcin’ was established.The cooperation between Jagiellonian University and the nongovernmental organisation led to the implementation of several projects to protect, and popularize the archaeological heritage. Researchers provided some of the ideas and substantive support, the NGO participated in the conceptual and implementation stages and maintained the effects of the activities (ona year-round basis).The effects of cooperation were substantial (archaeological exhibition and reserve), organisational (heritage trails, camps for volunteers) and educational (guidebooks dedicated to the children). Activities developed in Siedlęcin during the recent years allowed creating a complete product (on a scale achievable under those conditions), which as a ‘good practice’ was implemented at another site (Wleń castle).The activities carried out around the keep in Siedlęcin by the Institute of Archaeology of the Jagiellonian University and the Association ‘Ducal Tower in Siedlęcin’ were mutually beneficial and additionally contributed to strengthening the local community and helped achieve local self-government tasks in the field of heritage protection.

ON THE ISSUE OF NORMATIVE LEGAL REGULATION OF THE FORENSIC EXPERT INVESTIGATION OF MOVABLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBJECTS (ARTEFACTS)

Over the centuries, archaeological heritage of Ukraine has been developing under the influence of many factors. Research on such antiquities is a significant task of science for a detailed study of our history, deeper understanding of all stages of the formation, development and promotion of modern culture. Issues arising while protecting archaeological sites are relevant not only for Ukraine but also for many countries of the world. Preservation of history is the important task of every civilised country. Each monument is the source of information, and artefacts of a certain period in their totality represent a holistic cultural layer of history of people who lived in Ukraine no matter whether they were our ancestors or not.
 The paper outlines the issues of legal regulation of the research of movable archaeological objects (artefacts). Attention is drawn to the legislation on protection and preservation of archaeological and cultural heritage, procedure of cultural properties circulation in Ukraine. The main focus is on enshrining the concept of movable archaeological objects in legislation of Ukraine and some foreign countries. The issue of elaboration of this topic in the legislation and in forensic science is also addressed.
 Movable archaeological objects are exchanged and traded, such as Palaeolithic art, Bronze Age ornaments, stone axes, etc. Since they can be subject of crimes, and accordingly, can be investigated in forensic institutions, it is required to create a methodology for investigation of movable archaeological objects (artefacts) and conduct systematic research activities for the needs of forensic experts to ensure efficient provision of justice in Ukraine. It is also emphasised that while forensic examination of movable archaeological objects it is vital to establish their authenticity or non-authenticity.

A holistic conservation and development approach for Gaziantep Rumkale archaeological site

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to determine the scope and content for a holistic conservation and development strategies in the case of Gaziantep Rumkale. This approach seeks an answer to the question of “How can Rumkale archaeological heritage be preserved with their original values and passed on to future generations?”Design/methodology/approachThe materials of the paper are based on field research and written and visual resource. The paper has been handled with a four-step method setup. The first stage is to examine the spatial and functional background of Rumkale and its immediate surroundings based on the historical development process. The second stage is to evaluate the upper- and lower-scale planning experiences of the heritage site. The third stage of the research methodology is strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. The fourth stage is the creation of cultural heritage conservation-development strategies that define strategies for the protection and development of archaeological heritage in the context of sustainability.FindingsThe paper emphasizes the development of a holistic perspective that theoretically deals with the archaeological heritage sites of Rumkale together with the surrounding rural areas. In this context, the paper suggests ecological, spatial, socio-cultural, economic and institutional protection development strategies for the Rumkale archaeological site together with the surrounding rural areas for their delivery to future generations.Originality/valueAlthough the area has an important cultural heritage value for different religions and cultures, it has not been subject to sufficient scientific research. The paper develops a holistic approach by considering Rumkale and its surroundings together.

The main results of the research project «Legal and organizational foundations of using the aerospace survey for the research and protection of archaeological heritage of Ukraine»

The present article summarizes the main results of the research project «Legal and organizational foundations of using the aerospace survey for the research and protection of archaeological heritage», implemented within the grant of the NAS of Ukraine for research laboratories/groups of young scholars of the NAS of Ukraine to conduct research in priority areas of science and technology in 2020-2021. The paper briefly outlines the current state and prospects of the development of Ukrainian legislation on protection and research of archaeological heritage, as well as the results of practical monitoring work using aerospace survey, which provided: 1) fixing the state of preservation of the national objects of archeological heritage; 2) research of the erosion zones of the Dnieper reservoirs. The practical work allowed the author’s team to identify the benefits of using remote sensing survey to introduce comprehensive monitoring of archaeological heritage, as well as to identify problems in the organization and legal regulation of relations in the field of protection and research of archaeological heritage in Ukraine; and to elaborate proposals for their solution. The innovative nature of the research is that the author’s team managed to conceptualize an interdisciplinary approach to the organization of the use of remote sensing of the Earth for research and protection of archaeological heritage. The project combined archeology, space law, international and national cultural heritage law, substantive and procedural criminal, economic and administrative law, some technical issues of using modern equipment for aerospace monitoring. This approach allowed to develop a holistic theoretical basis for improving the legal regulation and organizational support of relations in the use of aerospace survey for research and protection of archaeological heritage of Ukraine.

Jindřich Wankel and the Viennese k. k. Central-Commission zur Erforschung und Erhaltung der Kunst- und historischen Denkmale

Jindřich Wankel’s collaboration with the k. k. Central-Commission zur Erforschung und Erhaltung der Kunst- und historischen Denkmale is not a widely known area of the scholar’s activities. And yet, in doing so he significantly contributed to the protection of archaeological heritage in Moravia: first as the commission’s correspondent (1883/1884–1885) and later as a conservator (1885–1893). His position enabled him to act in favour of the Olomouc Patriotic Museum Association and the Museum run by them. His activities were hindered by the legal framework of the time. Archaeological finds and sites were considered the property of the landowner and access to such required negotiations with the landowner and calling on their goodwill. This is clearly illustrated by the individual cases in which Wankel was involved.

Možnosti srovnávací analýzy plužiny zaniklých středověkých vsí. Vypovídací hodnota vybraných lokalit a role digitálního modelu reliéfu z dat leteckého laserového skenování

The paper deals with the plowlands of deserted medieval villages (DMVs) representing a specific data source of medieval settlement research. Its basic priorities are based on the needs of archaeological heritage protection for a better definition of DMVs’ hinterlands, which are significantly less distinguishable in comparison with villages’ intravilans. At the same time, not much attention was paid to this area, even in known or well-surveyed sites. These issues are important especially in the context of what exactly we are looking for within the DMVs, how we define it and where we can find the best examples worthy of protection or further study. The basis of the presented work is the processing of a digital terrain model derived from airborne laser scanning data. The primary procedure consists of the ALS data processing into a DEM, its subsequent visualization, and classification of objects in DMVs’ hinterlands, which is further supplemented by selected examples of field verification. The informative value of the hinterlands is also discussed on the example of several differently preserved sites.

The Protectorate-period roots of the Brno branch of the Institute of Archaeology

When Karl Hucke assumed the directorship of the Moravian Museum including its Department of Prehistory in November 1941, he very soon attempted to transfer administrative authority over the archaeological heritage care in Moravia from the Institute of Archaeology in Prague in order to take control over Moravian Prehistoric research and to emancipate it from the influence of the Reichsdeutsche archaeologists active in Bohemia. His proposal presented in December of 1941 to the Office of the Reichsprotektor and to the president of Moravia (governor) conceived the transfer of the competences of the Institute of Archaeology to the Department of Prehistory of the Moravian Museum. However, the Reichsprotektor office had no interest in decentralisation of archaeological heritage protection and, therefore, Hucke’s proposal ended up being substantially reworked. Based on an idea of a Reichsprotektor office staffer, Wolf von Both, the Brno branch of the Institute of Archaeology was established in the summer of 1942 as a de facto detached institution with some autonomy. Its establishment was therefore a compromise between Hucke’s original plan and the effort of maintaining the central role of the Institute of Archaeology as stipulated by the 1941 Government decree on archaeological heritage.

Regulatory and legal support in the field of providing cultural services to the population

The article considers the regulatory basis of providing the population with cultural services, considers the main legal acts in force in the field of culture and arts by legal force, considers the international documents governing the provision of cultural services to the population. The expediency of adopting in the conditions of further implementation of the Concept of reforming the system of providing the population with cultural services the State Program of Development of the National Cultural Space and Providing the Population with Cultural Services, which will provide specific steps -territorial structure of Ukraine indicators and criteria for assessing the quality of cultural services, the mechanism of interaction between executive authorities, local governments and representatives of civil society institutions, exchange of information between them in order to timely adjust public policy to provide quality and affordable cultural services, etc. The expediency of adopting the Law of Ukraine “On Archaeological Services and Circulation of Archaeological Sites” is substantiated, which will contribute to the preservation of the archaeological heritage and the creation of a unified system of its protection, combating illegal excavations and excavations; involve mandatory introduction of licensing for use of metal detectors, geo-scanners and other similar devices designed or adapted to search for metal objects that are essential of the European Convention of Protection of Archaeological Heritage and making regulatory framework of amateur archaeological research, establishing liability for violation of rules of archaeological items circulation. The peculiarities of ensuring the realization of cultural needs of citizens in certain areas, measures of strategic-planning and program-target provision

Crack Prediction Based on Wavelet Correlation Analysis Least Squares Support Vector Machine for Stone Cultural Relics

Preventive protection of cultural relics is to make use of all the science and technology beneficial to the research and protection of archaeological heritage to predict the disease of cultural relics. The existing preventive cultural relics protection system has made some achievements in environmental monitoring, but the analysis and utilization of large data of cultural relics are still insufficient. In this paper, under the idea of multisource information fusion, a least squares support vector machine regression method based on multivariate time series wavelet correlation analysis is proposed to achieve accurate crack prediction of stone cultural relics. Firstly, the correlation of multivariate time series of stone cultural relics are quantitatively analyzed and the validity of characteristic variables of the crack is discriminated by wavelet correlation analysis; then, a least squares support vector machine prediction model is constructed based on the correlation obtained from the analysis; finally, the good performance of the method is verified by using the environmental monitoring data of the rock mass fracture in the North Qianfo Cliff of Dafo Temple in Binzhou City of Shaanxi Province. The experimental results show that the proposed method is more effective than the traditional backpropagation neural network, support vector machine, and relevance vector machine regression methods. This method is universal and easy to implement for multisource data prediction of nonmovable cultural relics diseases. It provides a scientific theoretical reference for the preventive protection of cultural relics.

Role of Forensic Historical and Archaeological Examination in Preserving Archaeological Heritage

The article covers the topic of the possibility of conducting forensic historical and archaeological examination. The problems that arise when protecting archaeological monuments are relevant not only for Ukraine but also for many countries of the world. Preserving history is an important task for every civilized country. To ensure effective protection of historical heritage of Ukraine, it is necessary to have effective mechanisms to prevent and protect archaeological monuments against destruction and theft. Formation and development of forensic historical and archaeological examination is essential to improve Ukrainian legislation, including the field of forensic science. To effectively apply state policy on the issues of archaeological monuments preservation while pre-trial investigation of criminal offenses, it is necessary to make an active use of special knowledge in the field of historical and archaeological research. One of the peculiarities of forensic research is that it should be performed in compliance with appropriately approved expert methods, characterised by combining in itself the ne­cessary requirements for research and being the basis for quality and speed for solving forensic examination tasks. In this regard, their study and development are significant in research and practice. The aim of the article is to study the role of forensic historical and archaeological examination in preservation of archaeological heritage. It analyses the respective literature and legislation of Ukraine dedicated to forensic examination, forensic historical and archaeological examination and international experience in the field of archaeology. Keywords: archaeological heritage, archaeological monuments, forensic historical and archaeological examination, protection of archaeological heritage in Ukraine.