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Is there any place where metal detection to search for historical artefacts is illegal on private land?
by rajamaka 2y ago
Is there any place where metal detection to search for historical artefacts is illegal on private land?
- AlotOfReading 2y agoMost countries have similar rules, and that's also the standard (rarely prosecuted) view in international law. The general rule of thumb is that antiquities belong to the state, anything else (like treasure hoards in the UK) is an atypical exception.
- switch007 2y agoIreland "It illegal to use a detection device to search for archaeological objects anywhere within the State or its territorial seas; without the prior written consent of the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht" (Note "anywhere") https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/collections-research/the-law-on-metal-detecting-in-ireland https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/collections-research/the-law-on-...
- Cthulhu_ 2y agoThat, to me, implies there's a lot of unfound treasures over there... and/or a lot of illegal searching. Assuming there's interest outside of archeological value, of course.
- amiga386 2y agohttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/two-anonymously-sent-bronze-age-axes-arrive-at-an-irish-museum-in-a-pancake-box-180984704/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/two-anonymously-se... Some good Samaritans sometimes send in Ireland's priceless heritage to the national museum. But of course they're not going to reveal who they are, or where they found it. They don't want to go to prison. So I guess we'll never know.
- 7222aafdcf68cfe 2y agoiirc, it is forbidden in Sweden, except if you secure government permission.
- ascorbic 2y agoIn the UK, if the site is a scheduled ancient monument then you need permission to even dig a small hole.