Europe is a treasure-trove of archaeological sites, but many of them are under threat. From development projects to illegal excavations and climate change, these sites and their fragile relics seem to face danger on all sides.
To protect them, a new practice has emerged – preventive archaeology. This approach uses methods that protect sites as much as possible. But some countries have been slow to adopt it, leaving their archaeological heritage at greater risk than that of their neighbours.
In response, researchers connected businesses and universities in Slovakia, Czechia, Slovenia and Serbia in a knowledge transfer programme.
As a result, preventive archaeology capabilities have sprung up across the region, with better access to software and training materials.
Thanks to the researchers, preventive archaeology courses are now offered at universities in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia and Serbia, and smaller archaeological businesses are better connected with the wider industry, increasing their potential for development.
For example, the University of Ljubljana and the University of Belgrade are offering a joint Master of Arts in professional archaeology. Master of Arts programmes are also offered by universities in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, in Zagreb, Croatia, in Skopje, North Macedonia and in Novi Sad, Serbia.
To encourage such courses, the researchers trained students and entrepreneurs in preventive archaeological research skills and recording using the latest digital technologies, including 3D modelling, remote sensing and other forms of virtual archaeology.
As well as protecting European heritage, the preventive approach benefits the public.
Researchers and students used 3D laser scanning and 3D photogrammetry to build high-quality models of sites such as Bratislava Castle in Slovakia, a medieval church in Jasenica, Slovakia, the Duvno basin in Bosnia and the coastline of the northern Adriatic.
The results were exhibited to the public and documented for local authorities.