Classification of archaeological sites for heritage management inventory: The case of the ancient synagogues in the galilee

Abstract

A conservation survey of 66 ancient synagogues in the Galilee, served as a pilot for the development of an inventory for heritagemanagement in the Israel Antiquities Authority. The pilot raised some issues concerning the information categories and their informeduse for decisions making about the conservation policy for the sites. These issues formed the basis for ongoing research that examinedthe significance of the information categories and their interrelationship, from the heritage management perspective. The paper presentssome of the results and focuses on the classification of the sites to management types. The classification is based on their excavationstatus with regards to management status and management activities. From this criterion six types emerged: A) Remains known fromsurveys (Non-excavated); B) Ongoing excavation, and excavated, which are subdivided into four additional groups: C) Remainscleared for modern development (after salvage excavation), D) Non-Stewarded; E) Partially Stewarded; and F) Stewarded. Thisclassification enables to identify common characteristics and sensitivities for which management policy can be formulated, thusproviding a solution to the complexity, and dynamism of the sites variables, conditions, and values. While in other fields andorganizational frameworks, the types may vary, the criteria for classification, could be applied in broader contexts as well. The studyconcludes with the need for applied research on the practical use of inventories for informed heritage management.