Athens is in Greece. Herculaneum is in Italy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_issues_of_Pompeii_and_Herculaneum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conser

Athens is in Greece. Herculaneum is in Italy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_issues_of_Pompeii_and_Herculaneum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_issues_of_Pompeii... describes why further excavation is an issue; "excavation has brought with it deterioration" and "An estimated US$335 million is needed to carry out all the [conservative and restorative] works necessary in Pompeii alone." In particular, see the discussion about the unexcavated chamber of the Villa of the Papyri. > The decision caused controversy amongst historians and archaeologists, becoming the centre of debate on whether to focus on conservation or excavation. Classicists argue that only by continuing excavations can more ancient texts reveal more about ancient Roman life. In particular, the unexcavated chamber of the Villa of the Papyri, where over 1,800 carbonized papyrus rolls have been discovered containing works of Epicurean philosophy by Philodemus. However, those in favor of conservation argue that texts are safer underground rather than exposed.