Understanding Vandalism
Vandalism involves the deliberate destruction, defacement, or alteration of archaeological sites and artifacts. Unlike looting, the primary goal is not theft but damage, which often erases centuries of historical information.
Even minor acts such as graffiti, breaking pottery, or digging without authorization can compromise the integrity of an entire site, rendering it impossible for researchers to reconstruct its history accurately.
Impact on Historical Preservation
Vandalism not only destroys cultural heritage but also diminishes community identity and pride. Archaeological sites are irreplaceable records of human civilization; once damaged, they cannot be restored to their original state.
Educational opportunities, tourism, and research suffer as sites lose their authenticity and historical context, affecting both local and global understanding of our past.
