Bibliographic Information
Article Title
Mare Nostrum? Ethics and Archaeology in Mediterranean Waters
Journal Title
American Journal of Archaeology
Author(s)
Greene, Elizabeth S. and Leidwanger, Justin and Leventhal, Richard M. and Daniels, Brian I.
Month of Publication
April
Year of Publication
2011
Volume Number
115
Issue Number
2
Article Pages
311-319
Web Address (URL)
Additional Information
Available Through
AJA Online (Open Access), JSTOR
Language
English
Notes
Abstract: The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage came into force on 2 January 2009. As of November 2010, the convention has 35 signatories, of which 10 are states that border the Mediterranean Sea. Because the convention has not been universally adopted by all Mediterranean states, underwater cultural heritage in different areas around the Mediterranean is subject to different claims of ownership and interest. We argue here that maritime archaeologists should play an active role in the stewardship and protection of underwater cultural heritage by working to establish ethical guidelines, best practices, and a clear plan of action for research that falls within, but also outside, current national and international legal protections.
Additional tags: underwater archaeology; Mediterranean archaeology; best practices; underwater cultural heritage
Taxonomies
RPA Codes & Standards
- Adequate Preparation for Research Projects
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to Employers and Clients
- Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
- Integrity of Research Methodology
- Procedures for Field Survey or Excavation
CIfA Codes
- Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
- Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
- Principle 5: Recognition of aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers in all matters of employment
Keywords & Terms
- Anti-Commercialization
- Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
- International Law
- Local, State, Federal, and Tribal Laws
- Looting, Collecting, and Illicit Trade of Cultural Property
- Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
- Ownership
- Preservation of Archaeological Resources
- Professional Standards
- Protection and Non-Disclosure of Archaeological Sites
- Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach
- Stewardship
- UNESCO