The difference between archaeology and grave robbery has aroused heated discussion among netizens. Do you know the difference between archaeology and grave robbery?

With the archaeological excavation of Sanxingdui, there are more and more disputes about grave robbery and archaeology on the Internet. Many people compare grave robbery to archaeology. But grave robbery and archaeology are completely different behaviors. No matter from which aspect, robbing a tomb is an act that does more harm than good. There is no comparison between grave robbery and archaeological behavior.

The difference between archaeology and grave robbery. First, the purpose is different. The purpose of robbing a tomb is to steal cultural relics for individuals to sell for profit, which is a simple profit-seeking behavior, while archaeology is the study of cultural relics, which is of far-reaching significance. Second, the means are different. Tomb raiding is mostly destructive excavation, which has caused unpredictable damage to cultural relics. However, archaeological excavations do protect cultural relics, and will protect cultural relics from destruction to the greatest extent and ensure their integrity. Finally, the nature is different. Archaeological behavior is legal and is a protective excavation and research of cultural relics. But it is illegal to rob a tomb, which can easily lead to the damage and loss of cultural relics. The law forbids grave robbery.

First, the purpose is different. The main purpose of grave robbery is to steal cultural relics and then sell them for money, which is also the main purpose of grave robbers. It is a simple profit-seeking behavior. However, archaeology is not for profit. Archaeology is a discipline that studies cultural relics, which has far-reaching significance for us to know more about ancient society and people's lives.

Second, the means are different. Most grave robbers have done serious damage to cultural relics. Grave robbers are basically destructive excavations when robbing tombs, and the damage to cultural relics is very great. Archaeology is a protective excavation of cultural relics, and the damage to cultural relics can be minimized.

Third, the nature is different. Grave robbing is illegal and prohibited by law. Grave robbery needs to bear serious legal consequences. Archaeology is a kind of legal behavior, and it is a process in which professional archaeologists protect and study cultural relics. There is a great difference between the two in essence.