Archaeology and anthropology are progressively reconstructing humanity\'s cultural history. This volume illustrates the World Heritage List, from Lascaux to the enormous artistic and cultural legacies of Angkor and Machu Picchu.The convention for the protection of the world\'s cultural and natural heritage was adopted in 1972 at UNESCO\'s General Conference; internationally, it is one of the most important legal means to safeguard endangered environments. Over 150 countries have signed the UNESCO Convention and the list of protected places includes almost 700 sites. Thirty years on, this book celebrates the success of the scheme by describing the most interesting sites supported by facts and figures.