Week 4: Braden Currier: Arthur Evans and Heinrich Schliemann reading

As I read this brief description of these two guys and their contributions to the academic and historical communities I thought to myself that it is unfortunate that these archeologists were allowed to do whatever they wanted with the land and the objects found on it. I believe that history should not be allowed to be tampered with by a person only because they have the ability to "purchase the land." It is hard to believe that Schliemann was allowed to use "destructive" techniques while excavating, potentially destroying some artifacts in his attempt to retrieve others. Also, with regard to Evans, I am not sure that massive restorations of ancient buildings should be allowed. I think that minor alterations that better protect and safeguard the structure of the building should be permitted but unnecessary reconstruction I don't believe should be okay. I have been to a lot of ancient sights where historical buildings have not been restored and I have been to ones like the Acropolis in Greece, where it seems like there is always being work done on it. From these experiences I can say that it is much more miraculous to see the original work, even if it is rundown, because you can sit there stunned and not wonder or ask yourself what aspects of what you are seeing are original and which ones where done with the assistance of modern technology. That's what I think.