Management and enhancement of an archaeological site: Ancient Thouria

Abstract

The scope of this thesis was the development of a management and enhancement project for the archaeological site of ancient Thouria. All available information, regarding historical, archaeological and cultural data was collected to aim the goals of the present study. First of all, monuments such as the chamber tombs, the temple of Asclepius, the Roman baths, the tholos tomb and the theatre are presented. Secondly, other archaeological sites are referred as well as museums and statistics that give a complete view of the prefecture. Afterwards, this thesis refers to the management of the site. The pathology of the site is presented as well as very important suggestions for the appropriate organization. A creation of a management authority for this site conclusively, the facilitating of the roads, durable shelters and fences are some of the suggestions that presented in this chapter. Last and most importantly, enhancement suggestions are referred. Paths, signs, modern constructions and accessibility to disabled people are recommended. The site is presented as a whole and even the creation of an archaeological park is proposed. New technologies, also, are recommended for a more completely plan. For this purpose, the use of geographic information system (GIS) is considered necessary. It is a computer-based system that provides capabilities to handle georeferenced data. The use of this system is very effective, as it reinforce this work. Specifically, GIS is very important advance in archaeology and management of cultural heritage. The existing information has been used, so the mapping gives a more complete and organized form of the site.