Assessing Archaeological Significance: Key Concepts (EAC Guidelines 9)

Evaluating the significance of archaeological sites and remains is a vital aspect of the archaeological process that underpins the management of the historic environment across Europe. State heritage managers and heritage practitioners are challenged to assess the significance of archaeological sites and remains and most use the results of assessment processes in their daily work. And yet evaluating and articulating the significance of archaeology presents a core philosophical question at the heart of heritage management. Can the notion of the intrinsic value of heritage be upheld?  In assessing the significance of archaeological heritage, the task is to ensure that all stakeholders clearly understand how the evaluation has been formulated especially in the context of articulating ‘community value and amenity’. Heritage significance is articulated in different ways for different stakeholders and is likely to be articulated differently in different countries and through time. The complexity of defining significance, which is inherently philosophical, shaped by cultural narratives and evolving societal values, implies reflective heritage management practices.

This short document provides an overview of key concepts for consideration when undertaking the process of evaluating or articulating archaeological significance. The purpose of these guidelines is thus not to provide a manual on how to define significance but to provide principles and a toolkit of varied approaches that may be drawn upon to assist in the assessment of significance, together with key considerations when articulating the significance of heritage assets in various contexts.