Archaeology is often referred to as the handmaiden of history. The two studies are integrally connected. While archaeology needs history to give it a basis of theories and experiments, perhaps archaeology is more vital to history. What is known about history was discovered through the practice of archaeology. No one living today can tell what it was like living hundreds, thousands, even millions of years ago. Archaeological resources are the only window into the far past. This is why it is so troubling that archaeological resources are under such great threat today. Under threat from uncontrolled antiquities markets, violence, political and economic agendas, and even the archaeological community itself. This destruction has been ongoing since …show more content…
Though in some ways this is inevitable, it also presents a dilemma. In a relatively short amount of time, archaeology has advanced greatly. Thus, it is not unwise to consider that techniques could be improved well beyond what is present now in only a few years. Techniques that could mean the difference between a question, and an answer. But these techniques will do no one any service if there are no archaeological resources left. The debate of current archaeology versus future archaeology is perhaps best exemplified by the battlefields of world war one (dig it). As of now, the first world war is in the relatively recent past, but hundreds of years down the road, archaeologists will rely on these sites to study a portion of history. Because of this, many archaeologists wish to preserve this site rather than excavate it. The other problems that the archaeological community creates is ethical and cultural. Archaeologists study history all over the world, and so deal with many different cultures. This can become a large stumbling block especially in cases where human remains are involved. Different cultures wish to treat remains differently. Western archaeology is also quite often guilty of western privilege Western Institutions often collect artifacts from other nations under the idea of building a universal museum (museums). …show more content…
The Society for American archaeology adopted a standard code of ethics in 1996.The code outlines eight distinct principles to guide archaeologists in ethical practice. These principles are stewardship, accountability, commercialization, public education and outreach, intellectual property, Public reporting and publication, records and preservation, and training and resources (Principles.). There are also legally binding laws within the united states that restrict damage to archaeological sites. Many of these laws are overseen by the National Parks Service. The first national historic preservation policy was the antiquities act of 1906. This law established the protection of archaeological resources on federal land and set up penalties for looters. The Historic sites act of 1935 and the National Historic preservation act of 1966 created the National register of Historic places to track and preserve locations important to national or local history. The Archaeological and historic preservation act of 1974 and the Archaeological Resource protection act of 1979 were both created to preserve national archaeological resources for the