Using all resources at your disposal, discuss what factors affect the preservation and destruction of evidence.

The preservation and the destruction of Archaeological sites are usually because of the following things:1.      The destruction of sites·        Warfare·        Tourism·        Modern development·        Pollution2.      The Preservation of sites·        Climate·        Geological Conditions ·        The Actions of People The worst case of the destruction of a site is warfare. Warfare can contribute to the destruction of a site because of aspects like looting, bombing, etc. One Example of this is the war between the Ottoman Empire and Venice which saw the damage to the Parthenon Temple to Athena.  Tourism is another cause to the destruction of ancient sites, the visitors touch, breath, photograph, and take souvenirs. Over time this can slowly discolour the walls, paintings etc. this can also slowly deteriorate in time from taking souvenirs and from touching. One example is the Valley of Queens in Egypt; it was closed down to the public because of the damage that was beginning to appear. Modern development can be one of the major threats to historical sites. Historical sites near building sites can be damaged from anything from dust, to plant vehicles being used around the sites. One example of this is the excavation work that was taking place around the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.Pollution can almost deteriorate anything at a slow rate. Acid rain in Europe effects many ancient city remains in Italy. Pollution from transport can slowly wear down anything from stone to metal. One example of this is the Egyptian Sphinx in Cairo, the pollution from the city has worn down the nose and the face of the mighty Sphinx. Although there are many factors that can cause the destruction of a site, there is always a will and a way to preserve them and save them from destruction. Some Climates are perfect for the natural preservations of different historical objects, whether it be human remains to huge ships and statues. Dry climates are the best at preserving historical objects; this is because dry climates usually tend to suck up all the water from the object. If the object is buried in a sandy desert there’s a good chance of the object surviving for many years. Cold climates are also very good for preserving things such as bodies. It is good for preservation because it freezes the tissue and freezes the fluids in the body which slows down the rotting process of the human body. One example is the Iceman Oetzi, who was discovered in the Alps between Austria and Italy in 1991. He was found baring all his equipment including weapons and clothing. Geological conditions of where a historical artefact is found can determine whether it will stay preserved or be destroyed. The Tar Pits of California is known to be one of the best forms of preservation by the geological condition. When anything falls into the tar pits, the tar immediately sticks to the skin, which blocks out any oxygen so that decomposition is stopped. One example of this is the prehistoric animals that have been thrown out of the pits. Another type of geological preservation is under water objects. If metal the water will react with the metal either making it rust or making it preserves itself. One example of this would be the Titanic.The actions of people can be of importance when preserving a site. The Ancient peoples sometimes would have hidden burial places; this protects them from destruction, deterioration, and ending up in the black market. This may have been because grave robbers weren’t able to find them. This would give the Archaeologists the chance to find record and study these places. One example of this is the Tomb of Tutankhamen. In conclusion when there is a way to destroy something, there is always another way to preserve it. Many sites have been destroyed or damaged, but without the use of preservation methods the majority of sites could not have been saved or repaired.           


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