Heritage significance is articulated in different ways depending on the stakeholders involved and is likely to be articulated differently according to the geographical context and through time. The complexity of defining significance, which is inherently philosophical, shaped by cultural narratives and evolving societal values, implies reflective heritage management practices. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide principles, context and a toolkit of varied approaches that may be drawn upon to assist in the assessment of significance. It provides a philosophical and historical background to the concept of archaeological significance and its use in heritage management, and case studies of legal systems and assessment projects to provide inspiration and useful examples. This document accompanies a shorter key concepts document on the same topic: Assessing Archaeological Significance: Key Concepts (EAC Guidelines 9).