It would have been useful after they found the first 100 or so axes to call in an archaeologist to take a look. How much information was lost during this treasure hunt?

John, Tucson, Arizona, USa

Morrigan rightly notes the destructive consequences of amateur excavation and sale of prehistoric artefacts, but "The Times" seems an appropriate place to consider this practice in its context. For some three decades Britain and most of the world have been subject to the dogma that public is bad, private is good. Doubtless Margaret Thatcher would be appalled at the suggestion, but what are the looters doing if not indulging in a little DIY privatization? Indeed it would be difficult to envisage a more graphic demonstration of the notion that there is no such thing as society.

Davd Binns, London.

David Binns, London, UK

As an American it is so hard for me to understand the premis that everything that was ever lost, buried, hidden, belongs in the hands of archeologists and museums. Archeologists themselves state that usually a huge amount of a site will be left as is for future archeologists. Sounds a little like greed to me. Only me and my people will ever be allowed to dig in this site now we know something is here sayeth the archeologist. I would love to have an axe head from 3000 years ago in my house to have and hold and to tell my children about and anyone who visits with me the story behind this axehead. See if you can find anyone in a museum to tell you a story like that and see if you can touch anything also. Somebody needs to get a better perspective on life and what it means and what it is worth. So what if 100 people buy these axe heads on eBay. Do you know how many people will be touched and how much knowledge will be shared and passed along. Oh, and how much $ to the economy?

Anthony R Rasmus III, Green Cove Springs, FL

There is nothing wrong with selling coins or artefacts on Ebay, as long as they have been recorded properly with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Unfortunately there are criminals armed with metal detectors who make a living out of Nighthawking. No legislation will stop them, mores the pity.

APR, Thundersley, Essex

At least this person was honest and reported his finds.
Others don't and plunder Britains archaeology for personal gain.
Have a look on ebay and see how much of our past is being sold off. And in the process archaeological sites are being destroyed.
There are detecterists out there who work with archaeologists and have a deep interest in the past. This partnership should be encouraged as much as possible.
Unfortunatly due to budget cuts archaeologists have a hard time of it and penaltys for those who dig up, cause damage to and sell our heritage is so laughable that is no deterent at all.

Morrigan, Cardiff,