Archaeology, Cultural Property, and the Military (Heritage Matters)

Various international conventions have suggested, with differing levels of emphasis, the requirement for armed forces preparing for conflict to make provision for the identification and protection of the cultural heritage that may be at risk. The experience of the recent, and continuing, conflict in Iran, from the looting of the Iraq National Museum to the damage to archaeological sites caused by both Iraqi and coalition forces, has served to underline the fact that these responsibilities are not high on the agenda of military planners. However, since the invasion, cultural property officers, academics, and military archaeologists have been working together to address this problem: their goals include changing military policy, provision and effective use of planning information, and improving archaeological awareness amongst the personnel involved. Drawing on major contributions from seven armed forces, amongst others, this book aims to set out the obligations to protect cultural heritage under international Conventions; provide a series of case studies of current military practice; and outline the current efforts to enhance this. It will be a vital benchmark for the future development of training and raising of awareness within other armed forces.