Archaeology, power, and professional responsibility: weaponising heritage at Sebastia (OPT)

Israeli governmental and settler interventions have weaponized archaeology at Sebastia, transforming it from a scientific practice into a political tool for territorial control and ideological legitimation. The study identifies three strategies: establishing a permanent Israeli presence, constructing a historical narrative centered on Jewish antiquity while marginalizing Palestinian dimensions, and using this narrative to justify annexation. Framed within crypto-colonialism, the research highlights how heritage management in Sebastia positions Israel as a 'civilizing' guardian of Western values against a constructed Eastern other. In contrast, Palestinian-led initiatives offer alternative models rooted in community custodianship and shared stewardship. The article calls for ethical engagement that recognizes heritage as a field of political responsibility and potential for decolonized practice.

Shiff, C. (2026). Archaeology, power, and professional responsibility: weaponising heritage at Sebastia (OPT). International Journal of Heritage Studies, 32(5), 645–663. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2026.2619191