A fully secret society differs from a public organization that keeps limited information private. Historical and archaeological groups may withhold exact site locations because disclosure can attract people who remove artifacts or damage the context around them. Responsible metal detectorists follow proper practice and are often the fiercest critics of looters who harm the field's reputation. Limited secrecy can protect primary evidence rather than merely exclude outsiders.
Notable Point · 3:56:27-3:57:46
Why historical societies may keep site locations secret
Historians and archaeologists sometimes withhold vulnerable site locations to prevent looting and damage.