The Archaeology of Mediterranean Placemaking

No one is better positioned to recount the archaeological history of Butrint than Richard Hodges … Hodges is a clear and engaging writer whose personalized account make this book hard to put down … Though not strictly writing a guidebook, Hodges has produced an important and, at times, controversial introduction to the site of Butrint that grapples with many of the critical issues that are faced by archaeologists today as they navigate the way archaeology helps to make a place. * New England Classical Journal * In this brief yet thought-provoking book, archaeologist Richard Hodges examines how the modern Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992, has evolved over time and how narratives about the place have been constructed … Hodges’ meditations on his experience at Butrint underscore the difficulty of responsible archaeology and cultural heritage management. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review * The book is written by one of the most recognized international scholars and excavators … While the book may serve as an excellent introduction and guide to the site, the real theme is: Placemaking in the Mediterranean and the challenges that face modern archaeology … Hodges, who has a reputation as a great communicator, describes his experiences. His lively, sensitive, yet very honest descriptions make this a book hard to put down. * Ancient History Bulletin * A rare (and perhaps controversial) book that attempts to deal head-on with issues that are frequently left in the shadows by Mediterranean archaeologists. It challenges perceptions of what archaeology is actually for and should be read by students and anyone concerned with the global heritage industry. * William Bowden, Associate Professor of Roman Archaeology, University of Nottingham, UK *