The recent and historical development of quarries has had significant impacts on landscapes, biodiversity and non-renewable resources, including on archaeological heritage. The analysis of the past and present impact of modern quarries and the assessment of the threats they pose to the landscape and underlying palaeontological or archaeological remains are key issues in the holistic protection of cultural heritage. The book aims to discuss varied international regulations concerning this topic, and provides examples of different approaches and methodologies used to manage the complex relationship between quarries and archaeology. The papers present case studies mostly derived from preventive archaeology, but also focused on non-direct and non-destructive surveys on the landscape, such as aerial and satellite remote sensing, or on archival and bibliographic documentation. The goal is to understand how the problem is currently managed globally, and if best practices and shared strategies can be identified and applied to create future methodological and operational trajectories.

AUTHOR

Sara Marino is a researcher in Methodology of Archaeological Research at the Department of Ancient World Studies, Sapienza University of Rome. She is currently developing the Qu&Heri project, aimed at mapping and monitoring the interference of modern quarries on the archaeological heritage.

Adel Kelany has been a member of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities since 1998, and in 2006 was appointed head of the new Ancient Quarry and Mines Department. He also leads Egyptian teams specialized in desert archaeological sites, spanning ancient mines, quarries, and prehistoric findspots.

Alessandro Vanzetti is Associate Professor of Prehistory and Protohistory at the Department of Ancient World Studies, Sapienza University of Rome. His research is focused on the second millennium BCE in the Mediterranean and Europe. He designed the Qu&Heri project, presently developed by Sara Marino.

List of contributors: Abdellah Salih Alaoui, Francesco Amodio, Camilla Carnevale, Francesca Romana Del Fattore, Amalia Faustoferri, Marina Gallinaro, Erika Iacobucci, Makarius Itambu, Adel Kelany, Roman Krivánek, Sara Marino, Antonella Cinzia Marra, Rosanna Tuteri, Alessandro Vanzetti.

REVIEW

‘I think this is a global challenge, and believe that there are numerous researchers in the global community that at least have faced similar challenges in their professional work, and thus will find this volume useful.’ Senior scientist Tom Heldal, Geological Survey of Norway

‘This book provides important insights into the issue of inadequate laws and management plans regulating land use, along with a lack of awareness of the importance of archaeological heritage preservation and environmental integrity.’ Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim, University of Sharjah