Archeologists Destroy Temple in Guatemala

Archeologists oppose collectors by falsely claiming that they destroy history, but they themselves are often guilty of far worse ("The destruction of Tikal Temple 33 in Guatemala" The Week Aug 24, 2017)

Tikal Temple 33, Guatemala

 A 100ft tall Mayan funerary pyramid in the ancient city of Tikal, 33 was one of many temples uncovered by archaeologists in the 1950s and 60s. When researchers wanted a better view of earlier phases of the city's construction, the 1,500-year-old Temple 33 was chosen as the sacrificial lamb. Completely dismantled in 1965, the Temple's lower layers brought to light fascinating and groundbreaking information vital to the piecing together of Mayan history, revealing tombs and shrines within. Uncovered History writes that "sadly, Templo 33 is [now] a stunted pile of rubble", but adds that "fortunately, the deconstruction did reveal a hidden history that may otherwise have laid buried and undiscovered".

THis photo is a dramatic example of "before and after" the archeological approach to the "preservation of history". Shocking.

Temple ruined by archaeologists and one they did not  have time to destroy