In Flavia Solva, Styria, where important Roman finds were made, unknown perpetrators left 22 holes in a scientific excavation field. They did not just destroy a monument: according to Barbara Porod of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, historical finds could also have been stolen.
Since July 9, an educational excavation has been underway by the University of Graz, conducted by the Universalmuseum Joanneum, at the site in Flavia Solva (municipality of Wagna). On Thursday around 3:00 p.m., the protected excavation field was left by a dozen people involved in the investigation. When they wanted to continue digging on Friday around 6:30 a.m., they discovered almost twenty holes. “These are typical holes that detectorists leave behind,” Porod said in an interview with APA.
“Destruction of a monument”
It is unclear whether historical pieces were actually stolen, but it is conceivable. “Apart from that, it is about the destruction of a monument,” says the chief curator of the Provincial Roman Collection and the Cabinet of Antiquities. The use of these metal detectors is also not allowed on the premises. “We are amazed at how brazen and shameless things have been done here,” she said, shocked.
Marko Mele, scientific director of the Universal Museum and an archaeologist himself, was also shocked: “Modern archaeological excavations allow us to look far into the past and learn more about the lives of our ancestors. The Flavia Solva site serves to protect the cultural heritage that still lies in the earth and allows archaeological research to develop new methods to obtain an even better knowledge of the past.”
Inappropriate interventions in the protected land of Flavia Solva with the aim of satisfying curiosity and possibly enriching themselves would cause enormous damage. “The fact that this is happening during an archaeological excavation is simply unbelievable and must be condemned with all clarity.”
“A violent looting”
Bernhard Hebert of the Federal Monuments Office said that such cases were very rare during regular excavations, but above all “scandalous”. Explorers repeatedly carry out unauthorized excavations and often take things they discover out of context: “Information about history is lost as a result,” he stressed. He has not experienced “such intense plundering” in a long time.
The Styrian State Police Directorate confirmed Friday afternoon that a report had been filed. But the investigation is only just beginning. According to Porod, everything was documented. In the meantime, the excavations continue and are scheduled to last until August 1.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
