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ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTROVERSIES

Added on: 11th Nov 2015

 

NEFERTITI BUST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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