“Of All Things, Man Is the Measure”. Process and Risk-Based Thinking Approaches for Managing Heritage Communities in Citizen Archaeology

Mattia Sanna Montanelli

2025-01-01

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Abstract

This chapter explores the application of process and risk-based thinking approaches to managing heritage communities in archaeology, emphasising citizen science initiatives. Inspired by the Protagorean maxim, “Man is the measure of all things”, the study examines the importance of measuring the contributions of citizens participating in archaeological research. Measurement is presented as essential for ensuring scientific validity, operational efficiency, and societal impact in collaborative projects. The chapter critically addresses the challenges posed by relativism in the interpretation of historical and archaeological knowledge, which, while acknowledging diverse perspectives, risks undermining the social utility and shared meanings of cultural heritage. By adopting a “dialogical principle” rooted in citizen science, the study proposes methods to reconcile diverse values and foster co-created knowledge. Furthermore, the research introduces a Participatory Archaeology Balanced Model (PABM), a framework designed to balance public participation, scientific control, social relevance, and data quality in archaeological projects. The model incorporates principles of quality assurance and risk management to optimise project outcomes while promoting inclusivity and shared ownership of cultural heritage. Ultimately, this study highlights the transformative potential of citizen science as a means to democratise archaeological research and enhance the social cohesion and educational value of cultural heritage. It advocates for a human-centred approach to knowledge construction, guided by ethical principles and interdisciplinary collaboration.