[virmundi]

A) proper digging shouldn’t destroy the monument. B) removal of parts of the structure is how we know what’s in it at all. The same is true for any othe other monuments that are structures. We had to dig through the valley of the kings to find the tombs. If we don’t breech the obstruction, we won’t understand the thing.

[interestingcpp]

It seems like this is itself a demonstration there are alternative techniques.

[virmundi]

There are new techniques for discovering things. Once we know there is a void, at present, no number of muons will help us see details. Perhaps we’ll learn how they built the thing. There are a great many marvels from Egypt that defy our current understanding of their tech.

[justinator]

It's at the very least, a double-edged sword. You're essentially condoning grave robbing.

[kzrdude]

Traditional archaeology is well documented, controlled, and destructive.

[Piskvorrr]

You two are not in contradiction.

[dmix]

Except 'grave robbing' implies a malice and questionable morality. There is great value in doing this and well documented/controlled excavation can minimize destruction to the very minimum.

[darkmarmot]

This entire planet is one mass grave. We only respect the dead for a limited period of time. (No one who died over 20k years ago has much in the way of cultural defenders...) At the 3k+ range, I think we can get a pass...