Destruction and Looting of Cultural Heritage in the “First World”: The Case of Megara Hyblea

• In Event: Roundtable: Advancing Research and Collaboration in Cultural Property Crime

Abstract

The site of Megara Hyblaea on the east coast of the island of Sicily, Italy, is considered one of the first Greek colonies of Magna Graecia. Historical and archaeological data attest to the importance of this site to archaeological research and to local cultural identity. However, Megara has been plundered and mutilated time and again. Illegal excavations to recover marketable objects and sanctioned destruction within private properties still happen daily. In this paper we will show how destruction and looting of archaeological heritage is not isolated to impoverished countries nor does it only happen in remote localities, looters are more often than not the local citizens facilitated in the destruction by the lack of resources of the local governments. Cultural destruction and archaeological looting is a daily and pervasive crime that has its roots in the thriving art market and in the lack of local public outreach and education. Our project requires the collaboration of archaeologists, art crime specialists, and local law enforcement. Here we want to outline our project plan to rehabilitate the site of Megara and its community. Through survey, done with the concrete involvement of the public, and through public lectures by professionals in different fields our project hopes to invest the local citizens with stewardship.

Authors

• Ilaria Patania, Boston University

• Juan Vidal, Boston University

• Carlo Veca, University of Catania