Metal Detectors and Archaeology

Metal detectors and archaeology:

Both archaeologists and hobbyists use metal detectors to search for archaeological finds. France, Sweden, and other European countries have prohibited the use of metal detectors unless the individual has special permission. These countries have passed legislation in order to protect archaeological sites with the hope that new unfound sites by metal detectors are never publicized or disturbed. However, with everything, only the law-abiding citizens follow the laws. Numerous archaeological sites have been raided by unlawful metal detecting or nighthawking. These modern
day grave robbers are plundering archaeological sites for their metal items. These artifacts are then sold on to the Black Market, never to be seen again. Metal detecting is permitted in the United Kingdom providing certain criteria are met, and all finds recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme. However, the scheme has critics, including several archaeologists as well as metal detectorists.

Any country is at risk of having their archaeological sites raided and their contents sold without the information that could have been learned from them ever being known, if there are no restrictions or laws dealing with the management of new finds. However, thanks to several responsible metal detectorists who have contact archeologists, because of these wonderful individuals, artifacts have been found that might never been discovered. These metal detectorists have benefited archeology, scientists, and all of us.

Metal detectors are used by Archaeologists to scan their spoil heaps. They also are used to examine large areas such as battlefield sites. These sites may be scatters with metal objects such as buttons, buckles, ammunition, and other items. Metal detectors that are currently on the marker may have small screens near the handle.



 

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