The first part of the training: "Theory of archaeological heritage"

The first part of the course entitled Theory of archaeological heritage was aimed at discussing numerous facets of cultural heritage and set its archaeological component in a broader context. It addressed its dynamic character and stressed numerous and intertwined conditions of its development in changing historical, social, and political circumstances. In particular, this part advocated a need of the explicit identification of the general public as an important agent in archaeological heritage policies and introduced the concept of a stakeholder. The plurality of the perspectives needs to be in place within archaeological heritage management to address the diverse concerns of numerous public constituencies. The major objective of this introductory part of the training was also to present the theoretical foundations of archaeological heritage as well as the mechanisms of its construction in today’s dynamically changing economic, social and political circumstances. This part stressed also the increasing significance of public constituencies whose needs and expectations need to be identified, addressed and met in the practice of heritage offices.