Organizational, Technological and Market Complexities in Preserving the Han & Wei Site

There are several elements of interest in this case study, an example of a “not easy” heritage: •The sites has a tremendous historical value, but in parallel it presents: - serious problems of conservation and restoration, in addition to - problems in developing its potential value for visitors. •The case itself provides an example of inter-organizational complexity: - three counties has responsibilities on the area (Luoyang, Yanshi, Mengjing), - other entities have played/are playing an important role in the area (e.g. CASS). •To a great extent it represents a “in real time” case of change, a sort of “awakening organization” from the previous situation, trying to develop toward an important archaeological park, with important implications on technical and administrative aspects (including resources allocation and planning). The structure of this chapter is as follows. The first three paragraphs mostly describe the past and present situation, aiming at revisiting the historical development of this site in the last years in terms of: 1. activities and achievements (in terms of excavation, conservation, and research), 2. access to visitors, and 3. resources (human and financial). Some final observations and implications will be searched for in the conclusion, stressing some of the major elements in the future development of the site toward an archaeological park, addressing some potential problems that might emerge.