Why is public archaeology important?
○ Give at least two reasons.
○ Include two examples where a local, state, or federal
agency has implemented a program, website, etc. for
these reasons.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Importance of Public Archaeology
Public archaeology plays a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and promoting a deeper understanding of the past. It involves actively engaging the public in archaeological research, education, and conservation efforts. Here are two key reasons why public archaeology is important:
Preservation and Conservation: By involving the public in archaeological activities, we can raise awareness about the significance of archaeological sites and artifacts. This increased awareness can help in the preservation and conservation of these valuable resources. When people understand the historical and cultural importance of a site or object, they are more likely to support efforts to protect and conserve it.
Example 1: The Archaeological Conservancy
The Archaeological Conservancy is a nonprofit organization in the United States that focuses on acquiring and preserving archaeological sites. They actively involve the public in their preservation efforts through guided tours, lectures, and volunteer programs. By providing opportunities for people to visit and learn about these sites, the Archaeological Conservancy fosters a sense of stewardship among the public, encouraging them to support the preservation and conservation of archaeological resources.
Example 2: The National Park Service Archaeology Program
The National Park Service (NPS) in the United States has an extensive archaeology program that aims to protect, interpret, and manage archaeological resources within national parks. The NPS actively engages the public through educational programs, interpretive exhibits, and volunteer opportunities. For instance, they organize events like “Archaeology Day” or “Dig Days,” where visitors can participate in hands-on activities like excavations under the guidance of professional archaeologists. These initiatives not only educate the public about archaeology but also instill a sense of responsibility towards preserving and respecting our shared heritage.
Education and Outreach: Public archaeology provides an opportunity to educate and engage people from diverse backgrounds in learning about the past. It allows individuals to connect with history in a tangible way, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. By making archaeology accessible, we can inspire interest in the subject and encourage future generations to pursue careers in archaeology or related fields.
Example 1: The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)
The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a project based in the United Kingdom that encourages members of the public to report their archaeological finds. The scheme provides a platform for amateur metal detectorists, archaeology hobbyists, and other interested individuals to share their discoveries with experts and contribute to our understanding of the past. Through this initiative, the PAS has not only increased public awareness of archaeology but also facilitated important research collaborations between professionals and amateurs.
Example 2: The Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
The Society for American Archaeology is an international organization that promotes archaeological research and education. They actively engage in public outreach through their various programs and initiatives. For example, the SAA’s Public Education Committee develops educational materials, organizes workshops, and hosts events targeted at different age groups to raise awareness about archaeology. By making archaeology accessible to students, teachers, and the general public, the SAA contributes to building a knowledgeable society that values and understands the importance of our archaeological heritage.
In conclusion, public archaeology is essential for preserving our cultural heritage, promoting conservation efforts, and educating the public about the past. Through active engagement with various stakeholders, we can ensure that archaeological resources are protected for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
