How to save wall paintings? First, excavate land and, if you find remains to preserve, build housing development areas around them so homeowners have vested interest in their property values rising due to unique value added to the neighborhoods: ‘in a fast-growing area where many buyers lack roots, a bit of local history may help sales’ (Economist, 2008 May 10, p46).

Problem: dry areas tend to preserve remains, including images painted on or chipped into rock. However, early man needed water just as modern man does, so homes tend to occupy the same areas. Solution: allow buyers to excavate on condition that they donate what they find to a local museum—‘archaeological development’ saving the ruined remains by surrounding them with houses of living people who care to preserve them.