Stratagems and Back Spoils: Utilizing Backdirt in the Management of Archaeological Earthen Heritage

Abstract

Preservation strategies at earthen archaeological sites are challenging to develop and maintain in the long term. Environmental fluctuations, anthropogenic interference, and pedological composition are only a few factors that can impact deterioration pathways. Owing to these complexities, there will never be a one-size-fits-all strategy for preserving earthen sites. However, archaeological spoil—or backdirt—can be employed to mitigate many of these challenges. Utilizing illustrative case studies at the earthen sites of Çatalhöyük, Turkey, and Vésztő-Mágor, Hungary, the authors present the use of backdirt as a sustainable, structurally supportive, contextually sympathetic, and visually congruent material for earthen site conservation. Matters of authenticity, ethical mandates, and social benefits of its use are also considered, as are its limitations.