Problems & Solutions

Problems of Historical Relics



Destruction of Historical Relics

During the 5000 years of human history, human beings of different time have left a significant amount of histroical relics and ruins. Scholars study these ruins to complete the puzzle of human's history. However, most of the historical relics have suffered severe damages from both natural and human causes. The damages stop the historians dead in the track for further research. It is unfortunate to see the secret of our past and of our ancestor's life being bombed in war, or slowly eroding by the wash of rain.

One major cause for the destruction of historical relics are human. Human influence has been a major problem in many of the destruction of historical sites, both by society and individual. Society influence is one of the motive for humans to destroy these precious relics. For example, Mossulini and his Facist government has done some severe damages on the Colosseum of Rome during the World War 2. Damages done by the individual human beings is also a cause for the destruction of relics. For example, during the 18th century, farmers living in the countryside of England often takes the stones from the Hadrian Walls and various Roman fort in the surrounding to build or fix their own house.

Another major cause of destruction is the nature, the natural proccess of weathering has cause many historical relics to disappear or become unrecognizable and lost it's value. Plants growing on the ruins also cause some damages. Also, natural disasters, such as earthquake, can cause some serious damages and further destroy the relics. The washing of rain and the blowing of wind will slowly weather away the buildings and ruins and there is no stoping of the proccess.

Possible Solutions of Preservation

Despite all these damages already done by humans, people are starting to realize the importance of these historical relics and some have already taken actions in preserving these relics. For example, British lawyer, John Clatyon, has took actions in preserving the Hadrian Walls by purchasing lands surrounding the walls in order to prevent farmer from taking the stones during the 1830s.

Here is something you can try if you wish to preserve some historical relics that you feel important:

• Contact local authorities or the UNESCO for them to survey the site and declare a preservation area for the site.
• Get some friends with you, and patrol around the site for signs of people damaging the site.
• Purchase the land like what John Clayton has done
• Utilize various media and spread the message of preserving historical sites.
• Persuade your friend into preserving historical sites, show them the importance of these relics.