ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTROVERSIES
Added on: 11th Nov 2015
NEFERTITI BUST
Since its discovery in Egypt by German archaeologists in 1912 there
have been numerous controversies regarding its repatriation to Egypt
and even its authenticity. While the bust is kept in Berlin today, the
controversies still rage on a century later.
SPANISH HILL
A hill located in Pennsylvania, the location has been controversial
among historians and archaeologists for some time. Controversies
typically centre on the origin of structures and embankments found
on the hill. Even the origin of the name has been a source
of controversy.
TIKAL TEMPLE 33
The controversy surrounding this Mayan temple wasn’t about its origin
or purpose but rather the fact that archaeologists had decided to
dismantle the structure in order to arrive at the earlier stages
of construction.
GROLIER CODEX
This pre-Colombian Mayan book first appeared in a New York private
collection during the 20th century. Since then, however, its authenticity
has been disputed by archaeologists.
REPATRIATION AND REBURIAL OF HUMAN REMAINS
This long running and very current controversy encompasses several
present day situations (The Kennewick man, Druid human remains)
where various indigenous groups have requested the repatriation of
human remains from their communities for burial.
TREASURE HUNTING
This is another area that divides archaeologists. Archaeology as a field
largely owes its origin to treasure hunters but today treasure hunting
is being condemned by a growing number of nations as well as
archaeologists in order to preserve archaeological sites.
PIRI REIS MAP
A map compiled by Ottoman admiral Piri Reis, this map is supposedly
a copy of one of Christopher Columbus’s maps and has been a source
of national pride in Turkey. The controversies, however centre around
its alleged accuracy especially with regards to the new world
and the Antarctic coastline.
BAGHDAD BATTERY
This is the name for a number of artefacts discovered in the 1930s
in Iraq. The vessels were corroded and archaeologists determined
they were probably used to hold vinegar or wine. The controversy,
however, arises over speculation that the vessels were used as
galvanic cells to electroplate gold into silver. Although Myth Busters
showed that this was at least theoretically possible, the
controversy as to their purpose continues.
ÖTZI
Found high in the Ötzi Alps on the border of Austria and Italy, Ötzi the
Iceman is Europe’s oldest naturally preserved mummy. There is much
controversy and speculation, however, concerning the end of Ötzi’s life.
Theories have included everything from raiding parties to ritual sacrifice.
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