The War Damage on Archaeological Heritage after the War: Archaeological Heritage and Landmines

Abstract

ABSTRACT War is an invasive spatial practice and naturally, these practices are detrimental for archaeological heritage. However, a form of war-related damage to archaeological heritage is hitherto unrecognised. This paper represents a first attempt to define, quantify and estimate the extent of war damage to archaeological heritage caused by deployment, placement and removal of landmines and various other explosive remnants of war (ERW). Three case studies from Croatia each demonstrate that estimated figures are staggering and that archaeological heritage is indeed gravely affected. We suggest that adequate reaction from various stakeholders is missing. This is unfortunate because the case studies also demonstrate that the loss of archaeological potential could be mitigated and controlled. Deployment and removal of explosive devices are activities which must be recognised managed as a form of war damage. Archaeological community should take a keener interest in the subject and become a relevant stakeholder in mine action.