ABSTRACT
The concept of heritage and its protection evolved significantly over time, with ancient interest in “antiquities” laying the groundwork for modern intellectual revolutions like the Renaissance and Enlightenment. In the fifteenth century, painter Raphael saved Rome's monuments, and interest in antiquities from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Greece thrived in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. However, the idea of heritage was limited to elites, and it transformed as power shifted to the bourgeoisie during the French Revolution. The shift continued, aligning heritage with social and political orders. The conservation movement arose globally, with groups emerging in Europe and other continents to safeguard cultural and natural heritage. Legislation in the nineteenth century established protection systems for historical monuments and natural sites. Laws in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and beyond aimed to safeguard heritage and even introduced principles like public interest and protected areas. These early efforts formed the basis for modern international laws and practices in heritage protection. World's Fairs showcased monuments as national symbols, while new tourism and industrialisation concerns led to calls for nature conservation. Early twentieth-century legal developments established foundational principles for heritage preservation across various countries and regions.
