Identifying and evaluating deterioration factors which affect archaeological sites: The case study of Hippos (Sussita), Israel

The case study described in this article focuses on both natural and anthropogenic causes of deterioration that influence the conservation of archaeological sites. The investigation took place at Hippos (Sussita), a site located near the east shore of the Sea of Galilee, Israel. Surveys were conducted to identify the major deterioration factors that impact the site’s future preservation. Natural causes of deterioration identified in Hippos were vegetation, animal activity, humidity, water drainage, and earthquakes, among others. However, anthropogenic factors have had a more substantial impact on the conservation of the site than previously thought, and thus are critical for the site’s entire conservation, including the original structures, past site activities, present excavation and post-excavation, development, and visi-tors’ tours. The evaluation methods that were applied in this study provide significant information for the conservation of archaeological sites in general and could be utilized at any such site.