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Linguistico
Guest
In this text, what does the underlined 'them' refer to? My English teacher (who is not a native English speaker) said that it refers to 'many antiquities' but my first thought was 'these countries'.
In Mediterranean countries, ancient shipwrecks have long been treated like any other archaeological site. Regardless of its origin, an ancient shipwreck belongs to the nation in whose territorial waters it lies. To disturb it in any way, a foreign or national archaeologist must have the proper credentials to obtain official permission from the archaeological service of the government of that nation. Because in the last century so many antiquities were taken from these countries to foreign museums and collections, this approach developed as a safeguard for them. Thus, there has been less treasure hunting in the Mediterranean than in many places, although illegal stealing of antiquities does occur under the Mediterranean as on it surrounding lands.
In Mediterranean countries, ancient shipwrecks have long been treated like any other archaeological site. Regardless of its origin, an ancient shipwreck belongs to the nation in whose territorial waters it lies. To disturb it in any way, a foreign or national archaeologist must have the proper credentials to obtain official permission from the archaeological service of the government of that nation. Because in the last century so many antiquities were taken from these countries to foreign museums and collections, this approach developed as a safeguard for them. Thus, there has been less treasure hunting in the Mediterranean than in many places, although illegal stealing of antiquities does occur under the Mediterranean as on it surrounding lands.