Abstract
The main issues of this paper are the conservation and the reconstruction of archaeological sites. Indeed, the aim of archaeology is to present the findings of the past to the public, in the most objective way . However, archaeological findings are never completely objective because they are presented in a specific way, depending on who did the excavations. Archaeologists are always influenced by their backgrounds, beliefs, prejudices, interests, and expectations . So, how authentic are the ruins presented to the public?
The excavation of the Palace of Minos at Knossos, did by Sir Arthur Evans between 1900 and 1930, is a good example of such issues. Indeed, Evans' reconstruction of the palace in situ has been widely criticized for a range of reasons.
In this paper, I will argue the following thesis: if conservation and consolidation made at Knossos by Evans can be justifiable, Evans' reconstructions according to his own and very personal interpretations are much more controversial.
