Council of EuropeConseil de I'Europe ^ * ^

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Archaeological sites in Europe:conservation, maintenanceand enhancement

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Archaeological sites in Europe:conservation, maintenanceand enhancement

European colloquyjointly organised by the Council of Europeand the Institute Portugues do Patrimonio Cultural

Conimbriga, Portugal, 18-20 October 1990

Architectural Heritage Series, No. 22

Council of Europe Press, 1992

French edition:Sites archeologiques en Europe Conservation, entretien et mise en valeurISBN 92-871-2046-3

Strasbourg, Council of Europe, Publishing and Documentation ServiceISBN 92-871-2047-1 Copyright, Council of Europe, Strasbourg, 1992Printed in Belgium

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S U M M A R Y

Page

FIRST SESSION : TECHNIQUES FOR ON-SITE CONSERVATION

- Care and protection of archaeological sites: theexamples of Aosta, Grenoble and Genevaby Charles BONNET (Switzerland) 3

- Restoration of preserved passage-graves in Denmarkby Torben DEHN and Svend HANSEN (Denmark) 11

" Recent examples of conservation of archaeologicalsites in Styriaby Bernhard HEBERT (Austria) 17

- Restoration work in Knowth, Boyne Valleyby Paul McMAHON (Ireland) 21

SECOND SESSION : JOB TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CONNECTIONWITH SITE ARCHAEOLOGY

- Training of staff for the conservation of archaeologicalsites: the Portuguese experienceby Adelia ALARCAO (Portugal) 27

THIRD SESSION : ACCESS AND PRESENTATION TO THE PUBLIC

- How to present an archaeological site to the publicby Roel W. BRANDT (Netherlands) 35

- The royal Viking cemetery at Borre, NorwayHow to present a national monument to the publicby Bj0rn MYHRE (Norway) 39

- The necropolis of Puig des Molins (Ibiza): a projectof an archaeological park open to the publicby Benjamin COSTA, Jorge H. FERNANDEZ andSalvador ROIG (Spain) 45

- Archaeological parks and cultural tourism: a reporton the Malta workshopby Anthony BONANNO (Malta) 57

- Site conservation and public access to some archaeologicalsites in Icelandby Gudmundur OLAFSSON (Iceland) 61

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- Access and presentation of Ireland's archaeological sitesand museum collectionsby Patrick F. WALLACE (Ireland) 73

- The presentation of antiquities and historic sites inFinlandby Tuula HAIKKURINEN-MONTELL (Finland) 75

CLOSING SESSION

CONCLUSIONSby Geoffrey J. WAINWRIGHT (United-Kingdom) 83

APPENDIX

List of participants 89

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FIRST SESSION : TECHNIQUES FOR ON-SITE CONSERVATION

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CARE AND PROTECTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES; THE EXAMPLES OFAOSTA, GRENOBLE AND GENEVA

by Charles BONNET (Switzerland)

Twenty years of co-operation have enabled medievalists toestablish a methodological approach to historical sites in severalAlpine regions. The archaeologist conducts his research in thesubstructure of medieval buildings, but also has to widen his analysisto take in wall elevations. Hence he can pave the way to the restoringof certain monuments by providing the architect or engineer with theinformation they need. A scientific study is accordingly a vitalpreliminary phase which adds to an understanding of a building, whileat the same time mapping out certain choices linked with theenhancement or protection of its historical substance.

This co-operation has also induced various groups concerned,known as "restoration craftsmen", to expand their field of activity bycaring for archaeological sites. Without intending to recite a stringof principles at this point, given that each example creates newproblems, it seems useful to say a few words about the presentation ofthree ensembles associated with the earliest periods of Christianity.

May I make it clear right away that the quality and interestof archaeological remains shown to a wider public are closelydependent on previous research. It is an illusion to assume that ruinsspeak for themselves, and that fragments of sculpture or painted decorare sufficient to generate enthusiasm. Visitors need a documentarybasis in pursuing their own investigations or simply pondering overtheir past. Hence a message has to be put across, and only a detailedstudy of the structures or layers which have been preserved willprovide the framework in which to formulate such a message. A siterepresents a mass of data, and only a part of it has lent itself tointerpretation; consequently, it also constitutes a scientificstoreroom for future generations. A definition of this kind clearlydemonstrates the limits to any intervention which should always bereversible and should steer clear of excessive on-the-spotreconstruction, given that the public has a right to authenticantiquities. Modern additions, both as regards protection and didacticadjuncts, will therefore be resolutely contemporary. A dialogue alsohas to be established between the archaeologist and the architectresponsible for the project, who will be expected to adopt acomparatively humble approach towards the ruins, notwithstanding theirprofessional attributes.

The town of Aosta in Italy, the Augusta Praetoria ofantiquity, has retained some remarkable evidence of its Roman past.Moreover, the medieval town centre is one of the most impressive inthe Alps; consequently, doubts might arise in connection with theinitial quasi "disappearance", historically speaking, of the urbancentre during the so-called dark ages, an obliteration generallyattributed to successive incursions of barbarians after the fall ofthe Empire. However, this city was a stronghold in the defences of thenorthern Italian population and the abandonment of this territory didnot seem very plausible.

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The excavations conducted by the Superintendent's offices from1972 onwards in the Saint-Ours district and subsequently under thecathedral, soon brought to light the wealth of buildings erectedbetween the fourth and the tenth centuries. The cruciform church ofSaint-Laurent demonstrated the close links existing between thisvalley and Milan, where its architectural models were to be found. Thediscovery of the original cathedral and its two baptistriesconstituted evidence of early Christianisation which warranted highlyelaborate arrangements.

After the study of Saint-Laurent church and the various stagesit went through had been completed, a restoration and enhancementprogramme was drawn up. In an initial phase, the construction of twosheets of concrete and a gallery enabled visitors to have a view ofthe west and north apses, constituting the ends of the arms of thecross. Only the ground plan of the sanctuary is still in evidence andthe bird's eye view from a height of 3 metres encompasses its maincharacteristics. A few vast tombs also supply some information aboutthe functions of the church.

A place of worship which is still in use today occupies thecentral part of the cruciform construction. To precludedeconsecration, the ruins are sealed off by a paving stone, providingdirect access to the upper storey. The substructure was morecomplicated to make out in this sector, as certain walls had to bepropped up while at the same time it was essential to preserve anunimpeded view along the two axes ending in the apses. Huge areas wereopened up under the foundations of the present church so as to revealthe cruciform shape of the earliest monument.

Even if the liturgical equipment, situated at the centre andtowards the east had been damaged by later diggings, the remains stillin situ were sufficiently apparent to justify the reconstruction of apresbytery bench, a podium and a golea. On the other hand, thelayout of this presbyterium continued to be unclear. Expandedpolystyrene covered with a coat of paint and brick superstructures wasused to indicate the lie of the tombs in formae and a part of thefloor. The liturgical equipment has thus been fully restored withoutany damage to the still existing remains. In this case, it is clearthat the intention was to distinguish the reconstructed parts from theauthentic elements.

In the cathedral, the purpose of the current excavation is toconnect up the Roman cryptoporticus with the paleochristian remainsaccessible under the flooring of the building. A route is also plannedunder the roofs, where there are exceptionally well preserved llthcentury murals. A circuit has already been opened in the substructure,where catwalks are laid round the central area of the nave of thefirst episcopal sanctuary in Aosta. A substantial effort has been madeto clean up the architectural fragments and flooring, as this type ofenhancement not only contributes to a visual impact but also focusesthe visitors' attention.

The paving of the cathedral is laid on interconnected metalprops and held up by a large number of square supports. Dark paint andthe lighting system partially compensate for the lack of height. Itwas not possible to provide access to the main baptistry situated overagainst the west facade without pulling down certain partitions. Adecision was therefore taken to make the cruciform font visible fromthe nave of the cathedral behind an extremely discrete plate of glass.Worshippers can thus renew their links with their Christian backgroundas soon as they enter the sanctuary.

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In Grenoble, the late medieval fortifications have modifiedthe topography of the hill next to the Church of Saint-Laurent, whichhas now become an archaeological site. Hence the architect has decidedto provide public access across a raised catwalk connecting theramparts with the top of a Romanesque belfry. The entrance is along ametal gallery from which the overall view of excavations in the naveis most impressive. This is a vast ensemble, originating with theconstruction of several large mausoleums. A rectangular building and anumber of graves bear witness to the rapid expansion of the burialarea, where an amazing construction with 11 apses was soon erected,later transformed by the addition of a cruciform crypt.

There are several passages giving access to various levels.By dint of an outside staircase, the architecture of the Romanesquechurch is clearly distinguished from the remains spreading out at thefoot of the vertical walls, thereby conveying an impression ofremarkable continuity in the occupation of this privileged site.Furthermore in view of the decision to preserve the decor paintedduring the last century and to leave the choir in its original statewith its paved flooring, choir stalls and decorative altar, thevisitor is enabled to grasp the full historical impact of this site.

Here, the architect managed to make the best possible use of abuilding which had been divested of its original purpose. Despite thefact that this is a protected site, the visitor is continually awareof the importance of links with the past, since extremely ancientsarcophagi are associated with the church of more recent date and thecrypt, which is still a place of prayer and meditation, is alsoincluded in the tour.

The gallery overlooking the remains of the nave and thecatwalks or stairs are contemporary in style and are clearlydelineated against the medieval structure. The use of metal, glass orconcrete is entirely in keeping with what is needed.

The programme to restore the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre inGeneva was launched 15 years ago. In the light of archaeologicalresearch, which was consistently undertaken throughout this lengthyperiod, documentation of great interest was amassed, requiringappropriate presentation. The enhancement had to encompass both theinvestigations which were still under way and the complex resultsalready obtained. Moreover by a continual redefinition of workinghypotheses, some flexibility was introduced into the progress of work.The site was only made accessible to the public 10 years after theinitial excavations, but information was provided to visitors and theauthorities concerned by holding several open days.

The remains of the episcopal group of buildings, the earliestof which date from the 4th century, undoubtedly constituted the mainfeature of the site. Technically, it was possible to present thebaptistry, the two cathedrals and the bishop's residence providingaccess by a circuit running underneath the floor of the presentcathedral, a gothic chapel and round outside the buildings. Lengthydiscussions then took place between the archaeologists and thearchitect to work out a route for visitors and decide what structureswere necessary to protect the ruins.

The project was therefore only established after discussionhad taken place as to how the scientific results should be conveyed.Certain sectors not previously excavated had to be added to the areaswhich were given priority during work involving restoration, of the

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installation of heating as well as water and electricity systems.Furthermore it proved necessary to uncover some of the ruins belongingto the original cathedral, so as to gain a better understanding of thevarious functions of the buildings concerned. For financial reasons,the project was devised in several stages spread out over a period ofabout 10 years, while other more ambitious plans were alsocontemplated in the longer term.

Great care was taken with the didactic material made availableto the public: eg tape recorded commentaries for visitors, audiovisual presentations, various publications, a sketch plan on theentrance tickets. Coloured lines discretely traced on the stoneworkare used for dating, and these colours are also included on theexplanatory boards showing the architectural evolution of the variousbuildings and their chronology. The drawings and models highlightingreconstruction are also a useful adjunct.

The sober architecture of the catwalks, the clear-cut lines ofthe show cases and the handling of the flagstones resting on metalprops have all made a significant contribution to the success of thesite. The architecture has managed to retain its originality, withoutinterfering with the works of art. Some of the finds are exhibited ina small museum installed half way round the circuit, in what used tobe the forge, excavated in the 19th century. From a metal and glassbridge, one has an excellent view of the models and cross sections.

There is no doubt that the sum of the experiences acquired inconnection with those three archaeological sites, inter alia, is goingto be instrumental in improving presentation. It would however bepointless to attempt to lay down a set of principles, as each site hasits own specific characteristics. Perhaps one should guard againstturning these places into consumer paradises and, a contrario, try tostimulate the curiosity of the public. With this aim in view, it seemsthat information should ideally be confined to essential facts, sothat each visitor is free to approach the ruins as he sees fit. Thestudy of the archaeologist is fascinating, and constitutes anadventure which visitors would like to experience for themselves orsee confirmed. It is to be hoped that these protected sites willprovide each and every one of them with the information needed topursue an study into the origins of Christianity to as great a depthas seems desirable!

Brief bibliography

Ch. BONNET, Geneve aux premiers temps Chretiens. Geneva, 1986.

Ch. BONNET, R. PERINETTI, Aoste aux premiers temps Chretiens,Musumeci, Quart (Aosta - Italy), 1986.

R. COLARDELLE, Grenoble aux premiers temps Chretiens; Saint-Laurentet ses necropoles. Guides archeologiques de la France,Imprimerie nationals, Paris, 1986.

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Geneva. Archaeological site of the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre

1. Reception room of the bishop (Vth century)

2. Baptistries

3. Central museum

4. Roman well

Photograph 1

Photograph 2

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RESTORATION OF PRESERVED PASSAGE-GRAVES IN DENMARK

by Torben DEHN and Svend HANSEN (Denmark)

This paper presents some of the results of seven yearsintensive restoration and maintenance work on monuments from theprehistoric period - that is, in the Scandinavian countries, theperiod from the viking period up until about a thousand years ago.During the seven years, my colleague, conservator Svend HANSEN, hasmanaged the work. I myself have only participated in the last fouryears. The reason why I use the word "we" should emphasize that thispaper is a result of united efforts. Both of us come from the NationalForest and Nature Agency, which is a part of the Danish Ministry ofthe Environment.

During the last few years, physical work on the conservationof prehistoric monuments has been concentrated on Denmark'sapproximately 2,500 preserved megalithic graves - that is dolmen andpassage-graves from the Stone Age.

The reason why it is now necessary to concentrate on themaintenance of the megalithic graves has relation to the decadesaround the turn of the century. In this period, a great number,especially passage-graves, were excavated and restored - oftenbecause destruction of different kinds threatened or had started.

During the old excavations, the grave layers in the chamberand in the passage were investigated. There was very little interestin investigating the construction and the traces of the methods ofbuilding - on the other hand restoration of the passage-graves didtake place when the excavation was finished, in order that the publiccould visit the monuments. Fallen boulders and replaced capstones wereset up as well as possible. If something looked menacing, the localsmith set up a brace of iron. He also mounted a gate with a lock. Thenvisitors could get the key, a candle and a folder from a neighbouringfarm. On some sites this arrangement still works.

A lot of these old restorations are not secure anymore. Thebraces of iron are rusty, not only on the surface, but corroded allthe way through the material. Sometimes the big stones have moved justa few centimetres. This, however, is enough to make the constructionunstable and there is a risk of collapse. Such small movements are theresults of insufficient tightening during the restoration. In a fewcases it has been necessary to close some passage-graves to visitorsbecause of the risk of collapse.

We estimate that some sort of restoration is required withinthe next few years on one hundred out of 500 passage-graves. Thereforethe National Forest and Nature Agency next year begins a ten-yearmegalithic campaign. The purpose of this campaign is an attempt tostop this decay.

However, we have already been working with these monuments forsome years and to illustrate this, we have chosen to show you slidesfrom two large restoration projects from 1988 to 1989 To give you animpression of the problems, we will first present the two projects. Intotal, we have been involved in about ten projects of this kind.

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The first project was on a passage grave called "Jordeh0j".Here you have a big intact passage-grave inside a very big mound. Theproblem was that two of the capstones had fallen partly down into thechamber and lay on two modern pillars of stone. Above one of thesefallen capstones was a cavity so big that a child could climb into it.From time to time, materials of different kinds fell from the cavityinto the chamber.

In order to lift up the capstones again we dug a ditch in themound. During this operation there was an exceptional possibility tostudy the construction outside the chamber.

In this case the damage was - as an exception - not caused byactivity in modern times, but by a mistake, already made in the StoneAge. The biggest capstone had, -at the building of the passage-grave,already partly fallen into the chamber and lay quite safe - youcouldn't just see that from within the chamber. The second capstone,on the other hand, had lain on a flagstone hanging out. It hadn't beenthick enough and had broken under the weight of the capstone. Whenthis happened, we don't know.

On the next slides you can follow the rest of our work. Firstwe lift up the capstone - and from inside the chamber you see thestone placed on a stronger foundation. Afterwards we re-establishedthe constructions outside the chamber and finally we used an excavatorto fill up the ditch.

The second project we will present to you is a thoroughrestoration of a very decayed passage-grave, which is situated at avery popular site for picnics, and there are many children among thevisitors. The site is named "Knudsskov".

This passage-grave was excavated and restored in 1917, butthere has been bad decay since.

The chamber was partly covered by earth and several bouldersand capstones had been missing as long as we know the monument'shistory from written sources. The passage had partly collapsed and wasfilled up with earth. Because of the many visitors and the positionunder two enormous beech trees, there was no vegetation on the surfaceof the monument and, as a consequence of this, there had been so mucherosion that it was dangerous to enter the grave.

In this connection, you must remember that our climate in thewinter can be very nice but it is very destructive for buildings,which are not heated. Through a whole winter the temperaturealternates a great many times between frost1and thaw and each time alittle destruction takes place.

In the project Knudsskov we chose - in addition to restoringthe dangerous spots - to rebuild the chamber and the passage and thencover the whole construction with a new mound. This solution waschosen, because, while working, we found out that three of the fourmissing stones lay in a big hole at the end of the chamber. Probablyin the last century someone has penetrated into the chamber in thisway. These three stones were replaced and the fourth stone, which wasstill missing, was added.

The result was a real, closed passage grave, where themaintenance for many years will be minimal.

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This restoration project in Knudsskov illustrates thefundamental principle in our work. The main purpose is to preserve themonument by disturbing the old constructions as little as possible.When we choose which monuments we are going to restore, we must mainlyconsider the security. After that it is very important to choosemonuments, which the pubic has a possibility to visit. In our opinion,it is very important that the monuments appear safe and informative tothe public. Half seriously and half as a joke we have a motto: "Biggerand better monuments".

As you have seen on the slides, we sometimes have to disturbthe original constructions in order to preserve and restore themonuments. When this happens, we of course always do a normalarchaeological excavation. But this archaeological excavation isdirected by what is necessary in the restoration-work. Wheneverpossible, colleagues from other institutions, for example the NationalMuseum, participate.

These excavations have given us some interesting informationabout the construction and the building methods of the passage-graves.This information is used in the restoration work and later on. Here weshall give you some of this information.

The most important thing in the construction of a passage-grave is that it is 100% tight. If intrusion of water or animals ispossible, this will sooner or later result in an erosion, whichsubsequently will make the big stones unstable. In the Stone Age theyknew this too. The passage-grave Jordeh0j demonstrates this clearly.

To keep oozing water out from the chamber, this was - insidethe mound - covered by overlapping flagstones in two layers. The lowerlayer lay in a sort of mortar, made of chalk, mixed with water.

The same sort of mortar was used in the construction of whatwe normally name drystone walling. This walling consists of flagstonesstacked on each other in the purpose of filling up the spaces betweenthe big boulders. Here in Jordeh0j an extra securing with mortar wasmade. In fact this is not real "dry" walling.

Just behind the drystone walling and in the spaces between thebig boulders lies flint in large quantity. The chamber is so to speakwrapped up by crushed flint. The wrapping can be so thorough that alittle ditch filled up with flint is dug below the level of the floorthe whole way round the chamber.

The purposes of this wrapping by crushed flint may be several.The thousands of flintpieces will no doubt have a draining effect, ifwater for some reason should ooze to the chamber. Another explanationcould be that the small flint pieces, which lie in the smallest cracksbetween the capstones, could counteract if the big stones for someunforeseen reason should move a little. At last you must remember,that the passage-graves in use for the original purpose, have alsobeen attractive store-rooms for small animals of every kind. InDenmark it is an old trick, where you have a risk of rats to cementbroken glass in foundations.

The crushed flint behind the drystone wallings is carefullyheld in position by clay or stone packings. The rest of the mound isbuilt of what is found naturally in the area, that is stone, clay orsand, and nearest the chamber often turf. On some mounds the wholesurface has been covered by a carpet of stones and surrounded bykerbstones with drystone walling. In a few cases we have seen moundswith a terraced construction.

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These were a few remarks about details of construction. Therestoration work has given us some information of the building methodstoo. At all times people have wondered how primitive man in the pastwas able to lift the enormous stones. The Danish work for passage-grave, "jaettestue", gives expression to this. It means a room, builtby giants.

The Danish king, Frederik the Seventh, was so interested inthis question, that in 1857 he made a paper of the building method ofthe passage-graves. Here you see one of the drawings from the paper.In our opinion his idea was basically right.

We think that the first stage was setting up the chambers'boulders. Then the drystone walling was made, while it was possible towork inside and outside the chamber. After crushing the flint behindthe drystone walling, this was secured with clay or smaller stones.Then the mound was built to the level of the top of the boulders. Atthis level the mound was shaped as a wide platform with a slopingramp. This platform was important when the capstones were put in theirplace. This has no doubt been the most difficult stage in the workingprocess. When the capstones were in place, they were tightened withflint and roof flagstones. Then the rest of the mound was built up.How the construction of the passage fits into this working process wedon't know exactly, [drawing n 1]

Not only archaeological investigations are made, when therestoration work goes on but scientific investigations are also made.Here we should like to mention Svend Thorkild Andersen from theGeological Survey of Denmark, which is also a part of the DanishMinistry of Environment. Svend Thorkild Andersen makes pollen analysisfrom samples taken in the soil horizons in the mounds. This is asmaller part of a project working with the ecological developmentsince the introduction of farming in Denmark.

Under the passage-grave Jordehoj we saw the marks of ploughingwith an ard (1). From the pollen analysis we have a picture of thelandscape around the passage grave. In the area were fields and grazedglades. Unique is the evidence of swidden (2) cultivation. Forinstance it can be seen that the pollen are damaged by heating.

In the restoration work we of course make documentation of thestate before the work starts. The drystone walling, in particular, isdescribed. In the restoration we don't change the original drystonewalling, but add quite new flagstones, which look like the old ones.However, on closer inspection, you can see the difference. We shapethe flagstones one by one. Behind them we tighten with mortar, whichis not visible from inside.

When setting up boulders and capstones it is important to usethe Stone Age construction. For example boulders must always stand ina sloping inwards position with stone packing on the back. At the topthe capstones must be firmly fixed between the sloping boulders.

When you yourself work with these big stones with theirnatural and original shape, you get a tremendous respect for the StoneAge constructors and builders. They were able to see the possibilitiesin each separate stone and the building must have been planned indetail before it was started. Only in this way can the result be soperfect.

(1) A primitive plough(2) "svedje"

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If possible, we use the same materials as in the Stone Age,but there are some exceptions. Sometimes we make use of modernproducts in the construction.

The security of the visitors in a stonebuilt grave is ourresponsibility and we do not always trust the Stone Age techniquecompletely. For instance we sometimes set up braces of stainless steelbecause it is very expensive to dig through the mound to a "sick"stone in a chamber in order to repair it in the real way.

Sometimes it is not suitable to reconstruct a covering moundover an open-air chamber. In this case too it can be necessary to makeuse of braces instead of repairing in the real way. We think that itmust be possible for people, who do not like entering a closedpassage-grave, to visit such chambers.

As a roof inside the mound we have used a product calledVolclay Panels. It consists of a thin layer of volcano ash between twopieces of cardboard. This material extends when wet and pressed, andmakes a membrane, which drains off oozing water, but neverthelessabsorbs moisture.

As mentioned earlier the purpose of our work is the preservingof the monuments, but almost as important is the possibility for thepublic to visit the monuments and learn about the past. Therefore thelast stage in a restoration project is setting up an informationboard, which tells generally about the megalithic graves andespecially of the monument in question. What has been found? and whydoes the monument look as it does?

As a sort of conclusion we shall show you a Stone Age snapshot from the passage-grave in Knudsskov. But first we show you thechamber as it looked when we arrived.

Then you can see the same chamber when we had finished therestoration and at last as our illustrator imagines the same chamberin use [drawing 2].

1. Drawing from a reformation board illustrating the method ot building apassage-grave

2. Drawing from a reformation board showing the now restored passage-grave"Knudsskov" in original use

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RECENT EXAMPLES OF CONSERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICALSITES IN STYRIA

by Bernhard HEBERT (Austria)

I am very grateful for the opportunity to present the problemsand peculiarities of an Austrian region that is very rich inarchaeological sites and monuments.

Working as archaeologist at the Austrian Federal Office ofMonuments (Bundesdenkmalamt), I am concerned with the protection andmaintaining as well as with the research and conservation of monumentswithin Styria. This region of about 16,000 km2, occupied partly by theAlps partly by a hilly landscape with flat valleys, is known for somefinds of European rank, as the Charriot of Strettweg, a finebronzework of the Hallstatt-period.

Unfortunately realised archaeological work and inventarisationare in no scale to both richness and necessarities caused byproceeding damages due to farming and building activities. Only threeemployed archaeologists are working in Styria today, two of them atthe regional Museum (Landesmuseum Joanneum); to these colleagues,Mr Hudeczek and Mr Kramer, and to their and my assistants I am veryindebted for giving information, plans and pictures.

Therefore restricting myself to my own sphere of action I amnot able to show large Austrian projects such as Carnuntum at theDanubian limes near Vienna or the Magdalensberg in Carinthia, bothRoman settlements with wide areas excavated and conserved and furtherrecent projects of restoration and reconstruction. Thus I intend topresent some smaller objects that were rescued and conserved duringthe last two years in Styria.

Two of the most prominent archaeological sites in Styria arethe prehistoric settlement and the necropoles of GroBklein/Burgstall-kogel and the Roman town of Flavia Solva.

Legal protection was given to most of the settlement and themore than 700 hillgraves of the Hallstatt-period in GroBklein inwestern Styria. Further activities were set not in the sense ofrestoration - the monuments, only partly excavated, sometimes damagedby digging for treasure, are quite well preserved - but by postinginformation boards around the sites and building paths for bothpedestrians and bicyclists through the wide archaeological area.

By these means we hope not only to establish a widerspreadunderstanding but also a protection from destruction due to ignoranceand from unauthorised digging in hillgraves.

The forests in GroBklein around the Burgstallkogel, on whichthe fortified settlement was located, represent a rare "prehistoriclandscape"; the maintaining of these fascinating 2500 years old burialplaces is a special aim, more than any further excavation unless it isnot enforced by certain circumstances threatening the monument.

A local museum was founded in the nearby village, showingdocumentation, plans, a schematic reconstruction of a hillgrave andseveral finds; the most prominent pieces are still kept in theregional museum at the capital Graz, as the armour from one of the

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richest hillgraves (Pommerkogel), where a princely person must havebeen buried. The remains of this only partly excavated hillgrave aresituated in an agricultural area and therefore threatened by extensiveploughing. The use of this land as farmland instead of meadow wasforbidden; negotiations about the future of the huge remainspresumably still covering a lot of finds and being a real landmark ofprehistory are in process.

In Flavia Solva, a Roman town at the river Mur, established asmunicipium by emperor Vespasianus, problems arose due to uncontrolledbuilding activities since the Second World War. This change of landuse caused much damage and loss; rescue excavations could not alwaysbe done in time. In the last two years legal protection was given to alarge area, possessed by more than a hundred owners, with whomproceedings had to be taken. For this purpose old records anddocuments had to be checked and special surveys had to be made. Togain a conspectus of all relevant dates a special computer programmewas established which enables us to plot up-to-date plans containinggeographic coordinates, borders of real estates, status of preserva-tion, the plan of the ancient town as far as known and so on.

Some years ago an excavation was started on a real estate toenable scientific documentation before the already planned buildingactivity started; then this estate was bought by the government anddetermined as an archaeological museum. The excavated part of aninsula - Flavia Solva is a regular town - was conserved; the severalperiods of the building are shown together, differing in the height ofwalls as given by excavation. A room with a hypocaustum is nowprotected by a special roof, designed by a young architect who sharedthe excavations for a long time. In the adjacent industrial buildingwhich had damaged the western part of the insula years ago, a museumwith finds from the site was established.

Conservation of excavated walls causes many difficulties andnot yet fully solved problems due to the rough climate and longfrosts. One of the best examples, if one considers the duration, is aRoman temple at Frauenberg near Flavia Solva. This hilltop atFrauenberg served as sacral area for the town Flavia Solva, but alsoas fortified settlement in prehistoric as well as late antiqueperiods. The Roman temple was excavated and conserved thirty yearsago; new conservations, the last one a year ago, had only to provideminor repairs.

A rather unconventional path was followed in Ratschendorf,a small village at the southern border of Styria. Out of a group ofapproximately 25 hillgraves, two smaller hills had to be excavatedpartly due to former damaging, partly due to scientific researchnecessary for the legal protection of the monument. After theexcavation it seemed impossible to enable in situ conservation of themore interesting hillgrave, consisting of earth, layers of charcoal,ashes and burnt bones as well as several metal finds and pottery. Onthe original site the hillgrave was reconstructed in earth in the formgiven before excavation was done. In a nearby small house, completelyadapted as local museum, a model was built in the scale 1:1 under useof special materials imitating the colouring of earth in order toprovide a visual impression of the structure of the hillgrave and theseveral burials in their unusual combination. The model shows thehillgrave as if excavation were in progress, but the objects arereplicas and the original finds are posted in show cases along thewalls. This museum was financed by a local culture club and is gainingspecial resonance by visitors.

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The last example is the medieval castle of Deutschlandsberg,a prominent stronghold in western Styria, which was for a long timepossessed by the archbishops of Salzburg and is now owned by the city.Due to adaptations and building activities in a great ruinous room,archaeological excavations were started which eventually lasted overtwo years with interesting results for local medieval pottery and thehistory of the castle. A part of the excavated walls (e.g. the apse ofa romanesque chapel) remained visible without any alteration oraddition, protected by a newly built vault in the original forms ofthe last baroque period of the room, to which also the floor of stoneslabs belongs, which are characteristic for this region. The finds arepartly presented right at the place where they were found.

I hope to have given a summary of the most remarkable projectsin Styria, which are surely not of singular prominence butnevertheless show the widespread activities of local interested peopleas well as the authorities. I do not dare to conceal that the greaterpart of aims has not yet been achieved.

On the following side, up: plan of Flavia Solva with areas destroyedby activities of the 20th century and the place of the conservatedinsula; by courtesy of the survey-project "ArchaologischeLandesaufnahme" at the Landesmuseum Joanneum, Graz.

Down: map of Styria with the places cited.

- 20 -

MUNICIPIUM FLAVIA SOLVA Zerstoerungsgrad

* insula XXII, now museum iasioote floshaiStootbegwrg

j^ V.. . / ~^\/./ ( ..-'' --^ \ii.

1 Deutschlandsberg 2 GroSklein/Burgstallkogel3 Frauenberg 4 Flavia Solva 5 Ratschendorf

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RESTORATION WORK IN KNOWTH. BOYNE VALLEY

by Paul McMAHON (Ireland)

The large tumulus at Knowth has long been known as one of thegreat sites of the Boyne Valley Passage Tomb cemetery. Archaeologicalexcavations, directed since 1962 by Professor Eogan of UniversityCollege Dublin, have established that this mound was constructed in anelaborate fashion, that it covers two massive tombs and that in itsimmediate vicinity a cemetery of at least seventeen satellitepassage-graves was constructed. The extensive excavations have alsofound evidence for other periods of settlement at the site -Iron Age,Early Christian and Medieval.

Conservation and restoration is being carried out by theOffice of Public Works in Ireland, under my direction, and is based onthe archaeological evidence and interpretation. The project team alsoacknowledged the experience gained from previous restoration efforts -notably at the nearby passage tomb in Newgrange.

1. THE MAIN TUMULUS

The purpose here is to provide a structure around theorthostats and capstones of the passage in order to:

a. allow inspection on the sides normally covered by earth,

b. relieve the passage of any earth pressures which cause it tocollapse, and

c. provide support to the passage.

The passage is surrounded with a reinforced concrete portaldesigned to carry the weight of the restored mound to foundations setin original ground each side of the passage orthostats. This structureconsists of walls and a roof slab monolithically jointed.

Design criteria

There are a number of design criteria which must be borne inmind or further investigated before arriving at a solution, these areas follows:

a. The nature of the subsoil for foundations. Trial pits must beopened and samples tested.

b. The minimum/maximum clearances. 1.0m clearance each side of thepassage and 1.8m above the capstone.

c. Differential settlement between the new structure and the existingpassage must be minimised.

d. The passage should have "flexible" props back to the R.C.structure. The capstones or orthostats should not be built intoor rigidly connected to the structure, as differential settlementmay result in undesired loads on the passage structure.

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e. Durability of the structure must be ensured by the use of highquality concrete (30 N20 grade or better) with a minimum cementcontent of 360 Kg/m3. The possibility of using large concretecovers or corrosion resistant reinforcement should be considered.

f. The quality of water percolating through the mound should beestablished in order to determine its effects, if any, on theconcrete.

g. The structure will require protection on its external surface toprevent gross penetration of water from the mound. In addition tothis protection there will be a drainage layer placed outside theconcrete which will be channelled away to the main drains.

2. THE KERB

The purpose is to provide a structure, in order to:

a. retain the mound material;

b. allow inspection on the rear side normally covered by the mound;

c. provide protection to the kerbstones from the weather.

A cantilevered precast concrete slab was erected over thekerbstones and attached to a continuous line of self-drainingstructural gabions.

3. THE SATELLITE TOMBS

Two different forms of presentation have been used.

a. Reinstatement of the mound, kerb and passage - mainly wheredecorated stones require protection.

b. Reinstatement of the kerb and passage without the full cairn. Thepositions of missing orthostats are marked in concrete.

4. DECORATED STONES

Knowth contains the largest recorded collection of prehistoriccarved stonework in Europe - 261 have been discovered to date.Following petrographic and chemical analysis the stone types wereclassified as:

a. Compact massive sandstone/grit;

b. Laminated sandstone;

c. Fine grained micaceous stone showing undulose cleavage.

The conservation measures include:

a. Better protection of the kerbstones in terms of runoff water.

b. Consolidation of the carved detail of both free standing andengaged friable stonework.

c. Replication and indoor display of vulnerable stonework.

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d. Measurements are being made to determine whether or not furthersettlement/subsidence is occuring.

e. Measurements are being made to relate the number of visitors tochange in environmental conditions, salt movement and biologicalactivity within the interior.

f. Computerised "weather stations" have been established to monitorboth external and internal environments.

ACCESS TO VISITORS

The approach to the presentation of Knowth differs from thatat Newgrange. Severe height limitations at Knowth restricts visitormovement throughout the passage and entrance to the chamber.Archaeology also introduced the complication of a multi-period siteinto the already complex task of planning the engineering programme.

A flexible approach was demanded on the part of thearchaeologist, who had to accept, for example, that an Early Christiansouterrain could not always remain in situ to be worked around by thesteel fixers and pourers of concrete. Such features can often be bestand most clearly interpreted by models and drawings displayed bothon-site and within a visitor centre.

With over 100,000 visitors a year, erosion of the monument andovercrowding at Newgrange has led to strict control on access to thetomb.

The archaeological landscape of the Boyne Valley is currentlythe subject of a special study by the Office of Public Works to findnew and appropriate ways of displaying and interpreting it, andhighlighting the problems connected with managing the exploitation ofthe heritage.

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SECOND SESSION : JOB TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CONNECTIONWITH SITE ARCHAEOLOGY

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TRAINING OF STAFF FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES;THE PORTUGUESE EXPERIENCE

by Adilia ALARCAO (Portugal)

Although some of the solutions put forward are highlycontroversial or would be regarded as counter-productive in the lightof modern concepts, in the last quarter of the 19th century, Citaniade Briteiros in the north east of Portugal was regarded as a modelwhere conservation and of the use of an archaeological site fortraining were concerned.

It was not until the 1950s, when the Portuguese authoritiesbegan work on a similar project at Conimbriga, that the example itset, of marking out and protecting the site, entrusting it to apermanent custodian and using it for training purposes - which was dueto the work of an intelligent and cultured amateur - bore fruit. Theenormous programme of strengthening and restoring excavated structuresand of conserving mosaics in situ, entrusted to the National MonumentsDirectorate, called for the recruitment and training of staff fromamong local masons and pavers placing them under the direction of acontractor who was a good draughtsman and had experience of publicworks contracts.

The creation in 1962 of the Monograph Museum with itsconservation laboratory and workshop brought about a change in themethods as well as the techniques and materials used in this type ofoperation.

As the older craftsmen retired and young people from theregion were trained, the museum gradually built up a technicalframe-work for carrying out important work, such as the up-keep ofarchaeological sites (controlling vegetation and preservingarchaeological remains in general), conserving and restoring excavatedstructures and objects, providing technical support for otherarchaeological sites and organising training programmes forarchaeologists, conservationists and restorers and auxiliaryarchaeological and museum staff.

One of the most important contributions of the Conimbrigaexperiment was to enable the problems of archaeological sites and thebest ways of dealing with them to be discussed in detail. Basically,there are two kinds of problem:

- damage caused to excavated structures by environmental factorsand/or human or animal agents,

- the lack of the technical skills needed for preventing andcontrolling such damage.

The means for solving or at least limiting these problemsinvolves training technicians and developing a coherent policy forapplying and using the resources available.

Specialised training in the preservation of archaeologicalsites is necessary in three areas of activity: that of archaeologistsand auxiliary on-site staff; architects, engineers andconservationists-restorers and those responsible for the management ofthe archaeological heritage.

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Conservation is not part of the university curriculum for thelicentiate in archaeology, history, architecture or civil engineering.Experience to date would seem to show that the most appropriate timefor this training to take place is at postgraduate level. Acomplementary method which has produced good results consists ofon-site training, seminars and intensive courses. The large number ofyoung graduate students attending these courses in Portugal and abroadhas, in recent years, made a significant contribution to archaeologyin Portugal.

The profession of conservation technician (conservador,conservateur-restaurateur) was established by law in Portugal in 1980(Law 245/80).

Since then two types of training courses have been introduced:

1. A three-year course, run by the Portuguese Cultural HeritageInstitute, which provides professional qualifications, but withoutacademic recognition. This course was held twice in Conimbriga - in1981-83 and 1987-89.

2. A higher course, which is equivalent to "A" level standard, runjointly by the Institute and the Ministry of Education. The courselasts four years and has been under way since 1989 in Lisbon at therecently created Escola Superior de ConservagSo (Law 431/89). Thecourse offers specialisation in the area of archaeological assetsand leads to higher academic degrees.

The training of archaeological technicians, which wasofficially approved by the Ministry of Education will begin for thefirst time at the professional school of archaeology which iscurrently being set up and which is directly linked to the NorthernRegion Archaeological Service attached to the important archaeologicalsite at Freixo (Marco de Canavezes) which is attached to a villagecurrently being restored.

This school, which draws on the experience gained from earlierprojects intended for young people within the framework of the CPC(Conservacao do Patrim6nio Cultural) set up by the Institute ofEmployment and Vocational Training and by the European Social Fundmarks a profound change in the training of middle-level managerialstaff for achaeology on whom the future of the archaeological sitesprincipally depends.

The training given is mainly theoretical and general since thevalue of the training the programme provides has been diminished byimprovisation where infrastructures and teaching staff are concernedand by the fact that there is no diploma at the end of the courseenabling students to embark on a professional career.

Neither the official bodies nor the private undertakingsresponsible for conserving the architectural heritage have a traditionof hiring specialised technical workmen or technicians in the field.Consequently, the new strategy adopted by the archaeological serviceswhich are responsible to the IPPC has been aimed at integratingvocational training into the general curriculum. After the ninth yearof compulsory schooling, young people take a three-year fieldwork-oriented training course leading to the diploma of assistantarchaeological technician which is equivalent to the 12th year andwhich enables those who wish to do so to go on to university to studyhistory, archaeology or conservation etc.

- 29 -

Assistant technicians are qualified to carry out certain kindsof archaeological fieldwork and to help in the protection, preserva-tion and development of sites.

Except where a local museum with a sufficiently large anddiversified technical staff exists, archaeological sites need morethan the traditional custodian. They should be entrusted to personswho in addition to acting as custodians can take part in excavations,ensure the maintenance of the site and help visitors to understand andrespect it.

Saving archaeological remains is above all a cultural problemwhich requires education.

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PHOTOGRAPHS

1. Conservation of archaeological objects.The student learns the advantages of examining with a microscopebefore any further intervention.

2. Restoration of roman mosaics.Trainees removing the grass from a mosaic which has been exposedfor ten years on an unprotected site.

3. Two young restoration workers reinforce the lintel in situ ofa recess inside a badly ruined megalithic monument.

- 31

- 33 -

THIRD SESSION : ACCESS AND PRESENTATION TO THE PUBLIC

- 35 -

HOW TO PRESENT AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE TO THE PUBLIC

by Roel W. BRANDT (Netherlands)

(Integral text of the communication of Mr BRANDT as presented duringthe colloquy and accompanied by 21 slides)

Ladies and gentlemen, if this could be Holland, how happy wewould be. A monument like this - a temple for Apollo from the fourthcentury BC in Didyma in Turkey - will in a manner of speaking presentitself to the public. In the Netherlands however, the onlyarchaeological monuments made from stone are these megaliths, built inthe third millenium before Christ in the northern part of the country,here with the ongoing restoration of the floor. And they need a lot ofpresentation. Other visible archaeological monuments are barrows likethis restored one. The wooden posts around the foot of the mound,which must have formed an integral part of the layout of the barrow,have been brought back. However most of our archaeological monumentsare invisible in the landscape, only to be detected by using a coringdevice or other non-destructive techniques.

In most cases what is left over from a Dutch prehistoric siteis only a layer with archaeological remains, as here shown in theslide. Often these layers contain information of great scientificvalue, for example about the remains of a settlement. Most of oursettlement sites and cemeteries have become archaeological monuments,not because they are pretty to look at, but because of thearchaeological information they contain. This information must bepreserved for later generations of archaeologists to investigate withnew techniques etc. In the Netherlands to date, about 1640 sites areprotected by law and have so become archaeological monuments. A largenumber of these monuments cannot be detected without specialinstruments and techniques. This makes them very difficult to protectagainst destruction. A department of the National State Service forArchaeological Research in Amersfoort is responsible for theprotection of all these monuments. In a special programmearchaeological monuments that are in need of it, are restored.Sometimes this is done by the State Service, sometimes by privatecompanies.

From the sites that have been excavated, some can be used toshow the general public what their remains looked like. We expect themore the public knows about archaeological sites, the information theycontain on historic lifestyles, etc, the more they may be willing toleave these sites alone.

It is important therefore to present to the public ourknowledge about archaeological sites. Therefore, we have to considerways to present visible and especially non-visible archaeologicalsites to the public. There are several problems that have to be takeninto account in doing so. In the latter part of my paper I shalladdress these.

First of all it is very important to take into account theknowledge of, and the ideas about archaeology by the general public. Imust stress the word general here. There are many people that know alot about archaeology. I am not discussing them. I am talking aboutpeople that are interested but have very vague notions on what

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archaeology is. What archaeologists consider to be archaeology isoften very different from what the public at large considersarchaeology to be. In general one can say that the public has a muchmore romantic and materialistic view of archaeology thanarchaeologists do. Most modern insights in prehistoric social andeconomic behavior, regional research topics, and modern palaeo-geneticresearch, to mention some topics in recent literature, have not yetreached the interest of the general public.

How does one get an insight into their level of knowledge? Aswe live in a world in which advertisements play an important role inshaping men's ideas about this world, I have chosen this medium as myway into this matter. I have collected over the years advertisementsthat use archaeological images as symbols for the product or theinformation on that product that is advertised. I expect that peoplethat design advertisements will only use ideas which they are sure thepublic will understand and relate to. These advertisements then cangive us a quick insight into the knowledge base on archaeology of thepublic in general. It is also very interesting to see whatarchaeological elements are used as carriers of information in oursociety and the changes through time. In this context I cannot go intothis.

First of all, most people have no idea of time. Time depth isvery shallow. Everything that is more than 50 years old, is consideredprehistoric.

When something is primitive, often so called barbarians withlong hair and with almost no clothes on, using stone implements likehand axes are used to symbolise this. In contrast with this, whensomething is well advanced and complex the Egyptian civilisation isoften used as the metaphor. The Egyptians are in general considered tobe the most civilised people of the past. Other civilisations like theHittites or that of the Indus valley, the Euphrates or the Incas arehardly ever considered to be useful in these contexts. There is aDutch advertisement from a large undertaking business which claimsthat people of today know more about the funeral customs of theancient Egyptians then they know about their own funeral. The Vikingsare used to represent something that is strong, and often adventurous.In a more local European context Asterix is the best example of theuse of archaeological symbols in an everyday context. Time is tooshort to show you more but these advertisements are representative ofthe general idea. As you can see, the picture that emerges from thismakes clear that at its best the knowledge is very fragmented. Ingeneral one can say it is certainly without the nuances and detailsarchaeologists like to use when they present their work. It is veryimportant to keep this in mind and not over-estimate the knowledge ofthe public in general of archaeological periods and phenomena.

A second problem we are confronted with when we want topresent an archaeological site of which all remains are buried is theproblem of scale and dimensions. According to research most peoplehave problems reading a map. Even worse is their understanding of agroundplan; a plan in which everything has been reduced from threedimensions into two. Many people even have great problemsunderstanding a plan of their own home. In that respect it would beunfair to expect them to understand plans of structures they havenever seen. Still this is exactly what a lot of us do. Let me give youan example.

- 37 -

This is a plan of a number of structures dating from the IronAge and roman times that have been excavated in the seventies. Theoriginal wooden building has been enlarged and rebuilt a couple oftimes. Finally in roman times, it has been transformed into avilla-like building with stone walls and other roman phenomena likeroof tiles.

If you are not an archaeologist by profession it takes someimagination to understand that different colours represent groundplansof different buildings and that these buildings have been erected oneafter the other and after the preceding structure had been demolished.As I said, not a big deal for archaeologists, but a lot ofunderstanding for a layman.

At the site of the excavation this plan has been built at ascale of 1:1 using concrete and wooden posts.

Different bricks and the use of other material represent thedifferent uses of space in the structures. Despite how well everythingis executed, the message is missed by the public. And the publiccannot help this. First of all the complexity of the plan at a scaleof 1 to 1 is too large to grasp for a layman. But what is moreimportant is the failure to realise that most people are not trainedto transform in their mind a plan like this into a spatial reality.This is another problem. In general this is difficult, in thisparticular example it is impossible because - if one does not haveinside information - there is nothing to relate to. One needs outsideinformation to make these mental models. One sees sometimes inchurches and cathedrals that the original - often smaller - groundplanof the church is shown in the pavement with stones of another colour.Trier is a very good example. Here one does understand what is goingon. But here one has the existing church-building as a kind offramework to help to scale and imagine the earlier building. But inthe case of this roman site one has not; there is nothing to relateto. One does not know what the original buildings or buildings of thesame kind looked like.

In general this is true for most plans of prehistoricbuildings that are shown in pavements. And in a lot of situations itis also true for these type of displays. These displays in bronze areused by the State Service to give information about the site, on thesite. In most cases however people are unable to make the perceptualsteps in their mind in order to transform a two-dimensional plan intoa spatial reality. Research that has been done on the subject makesthis clear. Grown-ups and children were asked to describe what theyhad seen. In most cases they had not understood the implications ofthe plan.

So how do we overcome these problems of little archaeologicalknowledge and inability of spatial imagination of the general public?In my opinion one has to use three-dimensional models; to scale or 1to 1. Let me show you these examples: this is not really three-dimensional but it shows in reality where a modern road crosses aroman road.

It is examples like this - you are all familiar with them -that do the trick. This is a reconstruction of a medieval house.Originally an invisible groundplan, uncovered by archaeologists andtransformed into this three-dimensional reality. You can walk around

- 38 -

it, into it and see the dimensions for yourself. One only has to thinkof the tremendous success of the real world reconstructions at theViking exhibition in York in the United Kingdom to know how the publicappreciates these kinds of transformations. Even if some guess-work isinevitable, it is still better to built the model than to wait untilthe problems are solved. It is very difficult and often impossible toreconstruct for example a prehistoric farmhouse if only the groundplanhas been left. Endless discussions have been going on in theliterature about the way roofs were built and the angle of theseroofs. The public at large however will only remember whether the roofwas flat or not. But do not misunderstand me; I am not asking you tobe careless in your reconstructions.

My concern is with the public. The more they see and hearabout archaeology, the better this is for archaeology. Archaeologicalphenomena are nowadays an endangered species in this world. The morewe make the public realise this, the less they will destroy our sites.

For visible archaeological monuments one can also make thesekinds of transformations as this design in the next two slides willshow you.

Next to a group of barrows this model will be built. The modelwill have the same size as the surrounding barrows and will be builtof concrete and be covered by dirt.

Through it runs a kind of footpath. The sides along this pathwill be used to give information on the built up of the mound, thecentral grave and later depositions and burials. In this mannervisitors will get an impression of the inside of a burial mound whilethe original monuments will stay preserved.

To answer the question in the title of my paper: keep itsimple, make it three-dimensional or otherwise don't do it.

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THE ROYAL VIKING CEMETARY AT BORRE. NORWAYHOW TO PRESENT A NATIONAL MONUMENT TO THE PUBLIC

by Bj0rn MYHRE (Norway)

The lecture is mostly on the theoretical side of archaeologyand on theory's implication for the presentation of prehistoricmonuments for the public (1).

During the last decade, structuralistic and poststructura-listic theories have been a challenge to archaeology. According tostructuralistic theory, material culture can be compared with signs,signals and symbols, like a written text that can be read by thearchaeologists if they know the code. The landscape is studied notonly as an economic, functional environment, but also as a mentallandscape that people formed according to their norms and ideas. Themonuments have to be considered as part of an ideological landscape.

The poststructuralistic theory represents a break with thepositivistic archaeology. It indicates that objective knowledge aboutthe past is impossible to reach. The archaeologists are basicallygoverned by their own values and experiences, and when we interpretthe material remains, we often transfer these values to prehistory.The scientific, value-neutral researcher is an illusion. We have toaccept that there is not only one prehistory, but many, according towho writes the story.

The poststructuralistic theory is an enormous challenge tothose of us who have to present the past to the public. We have toconsider very carefully what picture of the past we want to create,why we choose a particular picture and the consequence of our choicefor the public.

"Who controls the past, controls the future: who controls thepresent, controls the past", said George ORWELL in his book "1984". Wecan learn from the Eastern World these days, how important it is torewrite not only the recent history, but also the prehistory. We mayask: Who owns the past? and Who has the right to write about thepast?

The Borre site, the subject of this lecture, is found in SENorway, 100km south of Oslo. It has a special name in Norway's earlyhistory. It is mentioned in the Sagas as the burial place of the earlykings of the royal dynasty which managed to unite the petty kingdomsof the Viking period and to create the first Norwegian State in the10-llth centuries. Their large mounds can still be seen on the sitethat today is a national park. It has been called the cradle ofNorway.

But there are other national symbols as well: a specialmedieval church, the monument of those who fell during the two WorldWars and the grave monument of an industrial magnate who was one ofthe founders of the modern Norwegian industrial nation.

(1) The lecture was prepared together with my wife Lise NORDENBORGMYHRE. We have published a Norwegian version in the journalNicolay no. 55, p. 4-10. 1991: Borre en formidlingsteoretiskutfordring.

- 40 -

During the 1940s the Norwegian Nazi party with Quisling as itsleader used Borre to legitimize their position with annual meetingsand parades. After the war it became the centre of local celebrationsof our National Day, the 17th of May, a day when we also celebrate thefreedom after the Nazi regime. Strangely enough the building thattoday functions as a service house in the park, was originally builtby the Nazis. The foundation stones of Quisling's speaking chair canstill be seen close to the large mounds. The monuments of pastideologies are still with us.

So the Borre area may be seen as a symbol of Norway as anation, from its foundation to this century, and it is possible toillustrate this history through the material remains in the landscape.A planning committee has been set up to work out a plan for presentingthis area to the public. It is not only a question of telling a storyto the public but to decide which version of the story we shall tell.

"Winners" write their own history, we are used to saying. But"winners" also erect their own monuments and leave their materialremains or symbols in the landscape. These monuments are perhaps morepowerful than written words, because they are part of our daily lifeand of the landscape we live in, and after a while we get so used tothem that they nearly become a part of nature. In this way, the"winners" influence us and try to convince us that their ideas andideologies are the best. They do so not only by building their ownmonuments, but also by hindering the "losers" or the competitors fromerecting their symbols, or by destroying older monuments.

At Borre we have localised not only the monuments and thesettlements of the upper classes, but also the houses and marginalfarms of the crofters and the tenants from the viking period, themedieval period and from the 17~l8th centuries. It is not so easy tosee the monuments of the defeated Viking kings, the destroyed, heathensymbols, or the monuments of the Nazi-Germans or the Norwegian Naziparty from the 2nd World War. But they are there somewhere, and asarchaeologists we are trained to find them, even if they are coveredby thick soils. As archaeologists, we have the possibility to findalso the "losers'" story and material remains of the dark sides ofhistory. We can also find the sites of the slaves or the poor farmerswho built the king's mounds, or the workers who spent their lives inmodern industries.

Shall we tell the "winners" history by their monuments whichare so visible in the landscape, or shall we tell the "losers" or thepoor people's history? An exhibition or presentation of the Borrearea can easily be controversial and be taken as a participation inthe political debate of the present. We, the archaeologists or thehistorians, are also political beings with our values and meanings.We must ask ourselves if we can tell an objective story of Borre'shistory.

Since the 2nd World War little has been done to present thenational park to the public, partly because of the misuse by theNorwegian Nazi party during the war, when they used the National parkas their ideological centre. Today the park is a calm, peaceful placethat locals use for Sunday walks or for jogging. They are pleased withthe mystique of the gravemounds and the present lack of knowledge.They don't want the tourists to take its special calmness away fromthem, and most of all they don't want us to rip up the story of theNazis at Borre.

- 41 -

Other local groups have plans of a Vikingland close to thepark with reconstructed houses, mounds and vikingships and with anexperimental viking farm. Other groups dream of a tourist centre withthousands of visitors. And some plan a centre for folkdances andsaga-plays to keep up the national folkloristic image of the site.

My personal idea is that we at Borre have a specialopportunity to show the public that the past is not something alien orstrange, but part of our own present life. We could try to convincethe visitors that the past is not a closed matter, but open fordiscussions, and created by ourselves according to our own values andideas.

The archaeologists and the historians can try to be openminded and to present different versions of the past, .. also thecontroversial and the shadow parts, but we must also invite othergroups to contribute with their stories, even if they hurt. Therefore,I would like to include not only the "winners" monuments and theirideology, in the presentation, but also the "ordinary" people'smonuments in the area; even the Nazi-monuments which are still there.

Then the presentation would not be rhetoric or monolithic, butpluralistic and open, and invite to a political debate not only overhow the past was, but also over how the past and the present shouldbe.

42 -

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7

Fig. 1: Important sites from 6-8th centuries in Northern Europecontemporary with Borre in East Norway

- 43 -

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* i f-*tt> ro ro > 0^ "S -S o-S&'gS't-i e >-i

CO 1 (0D O g . ^

" 8 ^Q)0) .C _ _C? 4-> ^ -P>-i J-i Cto o m

- 44 -

10

Fig. 3: Guilded objects from a horse trapping, finely ornamentedin Borre style, about 900 AD. Found in a destroyed vikingship grave in mound 1.

- 45 -

THE NECROPOLIS OF PUIG DBS MOLINS (IBIZA); A PROJECTOF AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

by Benjamin COSTA, Jorge H. FERNANDEZ and Salvador ROIG (Spain)

1. THE SITE

The necropolis of Puig des Molins is located in the city ofIbiza (Baleares, Spain), on the island of the same name. It was theurban cemetery of the city during Antiquity and presently it is notonly the island's largest archaeological site,

7but possibly also themost important Phoenician-Punic necropolis actually in existence inthe entire western Mediterranean.

This archaeological site is situated on the northern slope ofa small hill 47 metres high, named after the abandoned old mills thatrise at its crest (since Puig des Molins in Catalan means "WindmillsHill"). It is located about 500 metres West of Dalt Vila, the old citydelimited by an imposing walled enclosure dating from the sixteenthCentury.

Since Antiquity until our days, Puig des Molins has been aperi-urban area which, together with the city itself and its port,delimits all the extra-mural installations and outbuildings: theartisan district of pottery workshops during the Punic era, or themodern growth of the city in the present.

The importance of this site, whose excavation began in 1903.was quickly recognised and declared as National Monument of Artistic-Historical value in 1931 through Decree of June 3- Paradoxically,however, as its boundaries were unknown at that time, they were notspecified in the Decree. The result was that a portion of the modernexpansion of the city - especially during the 1960s and 1970s - wereconstructed over it, leaving most of its northerly portion, at least25% of the site, under modern housing blocks and streets (Plate 1).

In 1985, with the application of Law 16/1985 of the SpanishHistorical Heritage of June 25, the until now Historical-ArtisticMonument was legally defined as a Property of Cultural Interest(P.C.I.). At a later date, in 1987, according to the disposition ofthe new Law, its definite demarcation was approved through the RoyalDecree N 1274/1987 of November 10, which establishes that, previousto the any removal of the underground in said area, archaeologicalexcavations must be undertaken to avoid not only the destruction ofthe site but also the loss of data of extreme interest for theresearch. Also, in the revision of the General Plan of Urban Ordinanceof Ibiza, undertaken that same year of 1987, Puig des Molins isconsidered a study unit - the number 21 - subject to a SpecialProtection Plan.

The present condition of such an extensive site is uneven,since an important portion of it has been totally built upon, andanother, property of the State and properly enclosed by walls, isacceptably maintained. Thus, within the present P.C.I. Puig des Molinstwo areas can be found:

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1 - The built-up zone, comprised in the modern expansion of thecity, with a completely consolidated character, whose detrimentaleffects to the site are already irreversible.

2 - The preserved zone. State owned, walled and measuring appro-ximately 50.000 square metres.

Within this zone, there are also two other distinct areas:

a. that of the Ministry of Culture (about 35-000 square metres)

b. that which is under the title of Ministry of Defense (about12.000 square metres), but declared Transferrable Propertypending integration with the remainder of the site.

There is also a small strip of land situated at the crest ofthe hill, adjoining Lucio Oculacio street, divided into fourownerships: one part owned by the municipality and three owned byprivate parties.

2. MUSEUM ENDOWMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Present museum endowment and infrastructure in the necropolisof Puig des Molins are as follows:

1 - The Monografic Museum, located in the lower part of the hill.

2 - A group of six hypogea, open to visitors in the 1950s, consti-tuting the only portion of the site to which visitors presently haveaccess.

3 - A peasant house dating from the end of the last century, loca-ted in the high portion of the hill, as a witness to the agriculturaluse of the area in the last few centuries.

But, since the Museum's installations could be improved, thehypogea have their original characteristics altered, and the widepossibilities of the remainder of the site and the peasant house areactually wasted, this present infrastructure does not adequately carryout its functions, so it should be renewed and adapted to the newneeds.

3- THE PROJECT

3-1. Procedure

The Project of the Archaeological Park of the Necropolis ofPuig des Molins, promoted by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, arisesfrom the need to comply with the dictates established under Article20.1 of the existing Law of Spanish Historical Heritage, issued in the1987 revision of the General City Planning, which establishes that themunicipality is charged with drawing a Special Protection Plan for theentire P.C.I.

Herein we present an advance of said Special Plan which wewant to emphasize was arrived at jointly by archaeologists andarchitects who, starting from the points of view peculiar to theirrespective fields of specialisation, have been working together toreach a synthesis.

- l\l -An initial limiting factor this Proposal had to face is the

city's own urban evolution. In fact, during less than a century, dueto a continual process of growth, Puig des Molins has gone from arural situation surrounding the city itself, to becoming part of thesame city's urban area. During this process, as we have seen, theoriginal site was divided into two areas: the preserved one, and theone which has already become part of the city, now consolidated rightover the necropolis, causing irreparable damage and profoundlyaltering the visual unity of the city and the geography of the wholeiOn the other hand, the essential enclosure of the preserved area, aswell as the lack of means to make this space available to the use andenjoyment of the city, has caused the isolation of Puig des Molinsfrom its environs.

Nevertheless, we feel that the determining factor of thecriteria to be considered, regarding the action to be taken about Puigdes Molins, is precisely the acknowledgment of the present urbancharacter of the site, with the objective of reinforcing therelationship between city and necropolis. Thus, this Plan can be themoving force drawing a total reorganisation of the area, benefittinginformation and understanding of the city itself while serving asrestructuring factor of what has been a chaotic urban development.

Therefore, the basic considerations to be taken into accountshould be the following:

a. The protection, conservation and redemption of the archaeologicalsite on its preserved area as well as its urban zone.

b. Conversion of the site in a urban asset so that, with duelimitations, it can be enjoyed by the citizens themselves as aliving reality.

c. Enabling the existing buildings and infrastructures to the newfunctions and creating new installations presently inexistent,although necessary.

d. Continuation of the study and investigation in the site, eitherin the field work as in the study of materials dug in previouscampaigns, enabled by new existing structures and work conditions.

e. Use of the Archaeological Park as a centre for culturaldissemination regarding the site itself as well as in the widerfields of History, Archaeology, etc. through programmes of cultural,didactic and pedagogical activities.

f. Conservation of the ecologic and scenic values of the site whichpresently constitute a place of a certain bio-ecologicalinterest with the presence of some endemic flora species.

3.2. Project descriptionIn order to undertake the project herein proposed, four basic

areas must be acted upon:

1 - Intervention upon the urban area of the P.C.I.: Has twomain objectives:- First, to act on the urban development surrounding the site tofacilitate access from the city to the necropolis.

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- Second, application of mechanisms which will guarantee theprotection of the archaeological remains which may be found inthe subsoil of the buildable lots remaining within the perimeterof the P.C.I.

In order to achieve the first objective, a series of concreteactions is suggested, such as the enlargement of the sidewalks andplanting trees in the principal streets, and conversion of Leon streetto a footpath connecting Avenida de Espafla with the necropolis(Plate 2).

For achieving the second objective, in accordance with thedirectives of the existing Law of Spanish Historical Heritage, in thebuildable places remaining within the P.C.I, area, the building permitwill be conditioned to the results of previous excavations that allowthe evaluation of the archaeological remains that may exist in thesubsoil.

2 - Intervention over the southerly border of the P.C.I.: Has theobjective of enhancing the Lucio Oculacio street's qualities as anurban walkway situated along the crest of the hill, becoming a greatobservation terrace of the whole necropolis and Dalt Vila (Plate 3),thus creating public equipment that would intensify and facilitate theconnection between Puig des Molins and the historical part of thecity.

3 - Intervention on the preserved area of the site: Direct actionson the site are those more concretely proposed for its conversion intoa public archaeology park, adapting it to its new functions and needs,and thus recuperating this important space as an urban space for thecity (Plate 4). However, in order to develop this project, it isessential to incorporate the military zone and the non-stateproperties that still remain unincorporated, so that the total areacan be treated as a unit.

Three main steps can be emphasized as essential to developthis programme:

a. intervention on the perimeter of the preserved area;

b. intervention on the existing buildings;

c. intervention on the preserved area of the site.

The intervention on the perimeter requires the construction ofa new, more adequate wall, as well as a new, more representative mainaccess to the enclosure, symbolising the connection between the cityand the necropolis.

The intervention on the existing buildings has the mainobjective of decongesting the Museum where at present all functionsare crowded, so that the different activities can be facilitated anddeveloped. Our proposal concerning the Museum itself is that itbecomes exclusive head of the permanent exposition, as well as of theacts and cultural activities that may be developed. All administrativeoffices, workshops, laboratories, library, etc. should be moved to themilitary zone, in new buildings substituting the old existing ones,whose construction will be carried out in the same location andsurface, designed in accordance with the functions and activities theyare meant to house.

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The peasant house should be restored. We propose that it beincorporated to the visiting circuit of the site, converted into apermanent display, housing the ethnographic material kept in theMuseum.

The intervention on the preserved area aims to increase thevalue of the site as well as equip it for civic urban use, tofacilitate its enjoyment by the citizens. Thus we propose to establishproperly marked foot paths allowing pedestrian use of the entire site;adequate consolidation of the remaining archaeological punic, romanand muslim structures recently uncovered and preserved in situ on theNortheastern sector, including them within the visitor's circuit; toadapt some graves for public accessibility in such a manner that itsbasic structure and use can be perfectly understood by the visitors;and, finally, to establish a public park, in its literal sense, in theesplanade next to Joan Planells street, in the eastern part of thearea, with leisure installations, cafeteria and restrooms.

4 - Complementary actions: As a complement to the maintions, we propose some complementary actions such as:

interven-

a. Create touristic-cultural itineraries connecting Puig des Molinswith Dalt Vila.

b. Execute an urban signaling plan showing the principal ways ofaccess and the route to follow, but also the points ofhistorical and scenic interest.

c. Study, protect and conserve the buildings of architecturaland historical interest existing in the area, such as thewindmills.

3.3 Management and financing

It is obvious that for the execution of a project of thisscope, as well as for the maintenance of the future park once it isexecuted, co-operation among the different public administrations isessential, since no one of them has sufficient capacity to run andfinance the project by itself. Thus it is essential that theagreements between the different divisions of the administration areestablished in order to guarantee the co-operation and co-ordinationin the actions and inversions of the different departments. Thereality and the very existence of the park depend on this. In thisregard, the initial negotiations and research so far undertaken havedemonstrated an optimistic goodwill toward participation.

As for the necessary investments, they should be based uponannual budget estimates and, although the ones of greater value shouldbe undertaken by public entities involved - Spanish Ministry ofCulture, Autonomous Community Government, Insular Council and TownCouncil - the participation of other entities should be encouraged inorder to stimulate a greater social implication in the objectives ofthis Special Plan.

k. CONCLUSION

The present situation of P.C.I. Puig des Molins into an urbancontext, although this environment has been very harsh for the site,must serve now as an enhancing factor in the relations between city

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and necropolis (Plate 5K In fact, we believe that the presentcondition of the site - inside a city, near one of the most importanttouristic areas of the island, with a museum endowment and somevisiting infrastruc- ture, though they have to be improved - favourthe greater social and cultural projection of the archaeological park.

To break the actual isolation of such an important space inorder to integrate the site in its citizenship context, becoming animportant focus for the island's culture spreading and for thereorganisation of a chaotic urban development, is the main aim of ourproject.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARKS AND CULTURAL TOURISM;A REPORT ON THE MALTA WORKSHOP

by Anthony BONANNO (Malta)

As one can deduce from the programme I am here on thisoccasion very much in the role of a substitute. Dr Tancred GOUDER,Curator of Archaeology in the Museums Department of Malta, who wassupposed to be addressing you at this very moment, is on the point oftaking over the directorship of the same Department from hispredecessor. As a result, important meetings and other administrativecommitments have prevented him from coming to this meeting. He,therefore, kindly asked me to take his place; but he did not considerhis paper complete enough to be read in his absence. In this respect Iwould like to express my gratitude to the Council of Europe, in theperson of Mr Daniel THEROND, for kindly extending to myself theinvitation to attend this colloquy. I am also grateful to Mr FernandoREAL, on behalf of the Istituto Portugues do Patrimonio Cultural, forthe warm hospitality.

As I felt it my duty to make a contribution, however modest,to this meeting, I chose to put together some thoughts, ratherhurriedly, and share them with you, on the Council of Europe Workshopheld in Malta last month (13th - 15th September) and organised incollaboration with the Foundation for International Studies and theMediterranean Institute of the University of Malta. That internationalworkshop was attended by a considerable number of participants comingfrom most European and Mediterranean countries, from Great Britain andFinland to Tunisia and Greece, from the Canary Islands to Israel.There were also participants from the Iberian Peninsula, some of whomI see here with us.

The theme of that internatio