A reflection on the preservation of archaeological heritage: the case of small-scale sites in the State of Mexico

Abstract

This paper calls for reflection on the situation of the archaeological heritage endangered as a result of accelerated urbanization, industrialization and population growth that characterize current times. It is possible to perceive a dramatic transformation of the physical and cultural landscape,coupled to a loss of identity of the inhabitants (based on the archaeological heritage). This study focuses on issues related to archaeological sites of smaller scale, with special emphasis on the case of the Upper Lerma River, where we have been conducting research over the past four decades.