Does reconstruction undermine the historical integrity of an ancient building?

Answer 1

One would wish to think no, but that depends on some conditions. a) Was the building entirely or partially reconstructed? b) Is the reconstruction identical, or at least satisfactorily faithful to the original? c) Is there continuity between the original and the reconstruction? Reconstructing large sections of centuries old ruins may well be viewed as destruction of a historical site, such as Saddam Hussein's rebuilding of the walls of Babylon. We do not know with certainty what these walls originally looked like, so any reconstruction immediately undermines the historical integrity of the ancient structures. On top of that, the reconstruction is built upon layers of ancient structures, thus potentially destroying a precious archaeological site. Add to this the fact the building materials and construction methods are not the same as the original, and you have a thorough destruction of a historical site. The ruins have an integrity in their own right. If say, however, the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris were to be demolished, and rebuilt in identical form soon after, I should think the historical integrity would not necessarily be undermined, as we have documented its every minute detail and can reconstruct it to the exact specifications of the original, using the very same materials. The reconstruction would still be a testament to the achievement of the architects and builders of the original structure, as well as having relative continuity. Just my speculation, probably utter bollocks xD