W. Barksdale Maynard ’88’s fascinating article (cover story, March 7) raises legitimate questions regarding Princeton’s rationale for removing Roman remains from Antioch. I realize, of course, that the sites have been threatened and destroyed and that saving the mosaics was highly desirable. But ripped from their context, only to be neglected and put at risk in foreign museums, does not seem to me to be a worthy outcome – even though it cost only $30,000 to secure a treasure worth $250,000. With that said, I think the article was very timely. I wonder how the alumni will react to this sorry story.
W. Barksdale Maynard ’88’s fascinating article (cover story, March 7) raises legitimate questions regarding Princeton’s rationale for removing Roman remains from Antioch. I realize, of course, that the sites have been threatened and destroyed and that saving the mosaics was highly desirable. But ripped from their context, only to be neglected and put at risk in foreign museums, does not seem to me to be a worthy outcome – even though it cost only $30,000 to secure a treasure worth $250,000. With that said, I think the article was very timely. I wonder how the alumni will react to this sorry story.