Cultural Heritage and Development in the Balance: Prehistoric Village Found in Downtown Miami

Archaeological sites are depositories of cultural heritage that can only be accessed through meticulous archaeological exploration and analysis. Yet, "Since time immemorial, archaeological sites have been exploited for knowledge and for treasure, looted for objects, destroyed out of idle curiosity, and plundered for material for new construction" (Getty Conservation Institute website). However, in a world where humans inhabit most of the globe, and where a majority of sites are located in multi-use areas, the "looting" of archaeological sites is only one of many causes of site destruction. Wars, human recreational activities, anthropogenic fires, vandalism, and a host of other human activities cause site damage or loss. As a result, preserving sites has become a significant challenge within the field of archaeology today. Increasingly the battle for site conservation is occurring in urban areas. 

Urbanization and urban development, in the form of building construction, is a major threat to archaeological sites. A case in point is the "extremely important" prehistoric village recently found in downtown Miami. Last Monday, the Miami Herald reported that this site is "likely one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the United States."Yet, the finds "have placed public officials and a big downtown developer in a major quandary. The Tequesta village site covers roughly half of a long, vacant, two-acre city block on the north side of the river where the developer, MDM Development Group, plans to build movie theaters, restaurants and a 34-story hotel. The project would cover most of the block, including the full archaeological site." To find out just what is so special about this site, and what developers, city officials, and preservationists are planning to do about the development that threatens it, read on at: Prehistoric Village Found in Downtown Miami. 

As you can see, while real world archaeology may not play out as it does in the Indiana Jones blockbuster movies, there can be significant drama surrounding archaeology. The Archaeological Institute of America  website insists that "preserving the world's archaeological resources and cultural heritage for the benefit of people in the present and in the future" is imperative. Yet, in a climate of rapid and expansive development, it seems that archaeologists cannot dig fast enough. At the same time, most leaders in government are far more focused on economic growth through development than on the cultural heritage to be found at archaeological sites. In such an environment, what is to be done?