David Rosene - Second Week Reflection

As an anthropology major, I struggle with my position on archaeological reconstruction of historical sites. On one hand, this could potentially destroy a historical site. The main example of this would be Knossos on Crete, where the archaeologist mixed fact with his own fantasy to reconstructure parts of the palace. It is now difficult to seperate what is real and what isn’t from this site as the history of it is forever changed after conducting such a poor reconstruction. On the other hand, this could be extremely beneficial to those that go to the site if it is done properly. It would be like walking in the footsteps of the past and allows people to see the true power of the site. And it is no secret that reconstructed sites appeal to more tourists than just fallen stones and rubble of forgotten temples. I think to the various wonders of the world we passed such as the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Colossus of Rhodes. All great marvels lost to time that are still extremely powerful icons in Olympia, Epheseus, and Rhodes. If reconstructed, these places would attract probably even more tourism as people would be drawn in to see a modern marvel. 

In my view, I really don’t have a problem with archaeological reconstruction if it is done right. It has to be approved by the citizens of the country or city it will represent. It has to be as accurate as possible based on historical descriptions and drawings. And it should use the same material as those used during ancient times. I understand the importance of preserving archaeological sites, but after thorough analysis there is really nothing left to the site than to look at it. With the above conditions in mind, I see no reason that a community could not restore a monument back to its entirety. There is no distinguished point between past and present when a monument is deemed too historical or old to be rebuilt again. It is their culture and their culture has in the past rebuilt temples lost to earthquakes and ransackers. It should be possible to do so in the present as well as long as it is done with thorough research and architectural accuracy.