The Council of Europe: Protection of Archaeological Heritage

What is it about?

The chapter traces the development of the Council of Europe’s heritage management policies, with particular emphasis on the historical background of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage. It examines the Convention’s origins, drafting process, and subsequent implementation, and assesses its impact on European heritage legislation and archaeological practice.

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Photo by Evan Karageorgos on Unsplash

Photo by Evan Karageorgos on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This chapter examines the development of the Council of Europe’s archaeological heritage policies, with particular focus on the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage. This is important for understanding how shared European principles of archaeological protection and management were formulated and implemented, and how they continue to influence national legislation and professional practice. Two key contributions are that: (a) it shows the Convention to be the product of sustained political and professional negotiation rather than a purely technical instrument; and (b) it demonstrates its lasting role as a normative framework shaping archaeological governance across Europe.