Archaeology and Contemporary Society: Archaeological Heritage, a “Treasure” Under Our Feet – What Archaeology Is by Two Points of View

Abstract

Two eminent archaeologists write, according to each of their own experiences and opinions, an annotated history of archaeology, and its relationship with society and in the development of its own concept. Both of the authors have performed high public duties in research institutes or institutional bodies which has given them a privileged point of observation on dynamics in recent decades. Finding their texts side by side in this chapter, the reader can easily form personal ideas on what is archaeology, what it has been, and how it evolved to its current situation. The authors lead the reader along two paths in the discipline and give light to scientific positions and thoughts, in some cases with a taste of polemics.