Introduction: Feasibility as the Cornerstone of Effective Management of Public Archaeological Sites

Abstract

The management of archaeological heritage faces substantial challenges when the public visits archaeological sites, but at the same time visitation, or tourism, opens many doors. Among them are opportunities to present to the public the history of the site, the contributions that archaeology has made to what we know about it and its place in history, its relevance to many contemporary issues from climate change to wealth inequality and the authoritarian regimes that often follow, and even the means by which to provide economic and social benefit to communities around the site that might lessen inequality. Effective, sustainable management of archaeological sites is necessary as well in order to deal with threats that might degrade the material of the site or disturb the context in which it was deposited or debase the experiences available to the visitor.