Remains and archaeological sites

The history of our ancestors has been inscribed in the soil or under the water, over time, in the form of traces called «vestiges». A set of remains constitutes an archaeological site. It testifies to the human activities that took place there but also to the evolution of landscapes, climate... It can group several imposing constructions, or be reduced to the traces of a temporary occupation, spotted to some coals, stones, fragments of bones... The archaeological remains are numerous and varied, they can be spectacular or modest.

Most of the time, archaeological sites are buried because they have been destroyed by natural phenomena or by humans themselves. But some buildings can be kept elevated, fully or partially. Their study is a particular field of the discipline: the archaeology of buildings. You can also find remains under water, in the sea, lakes or rivers. This is underwater or underwater archaeology. When archaeologists study caves and mines, they are said to intervene «underground».

Searching a site is a scientific process.

In the field, the team of archaeologists precisely records the position of the structures and objects unearthed, even the smallest. To make them «talk», you have to put them in relation to each other, including their environment.

With its partners, the Ministry of Culture establishes and enriches the National archaeological map, a database of all known archaeological sites.

Institutional framework

Archaeology is supported by several actors:

• the Ministry of Culture (Directorate General for Heritage and Architecture, Regional Directorates for Cultural Affairs, Department for Underwater and Underwater Research, and National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research);
• the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, CNRS and universities);
• local authorities and authorised private operators ;
• associations and volunteers.

They intervene by carrying out archaeological operations. These operations are governed by the heritage code which guides them to guarantee their scientific quality.

Moreover, the National Council for Archaeological Research (CNRA) , a national scientific advisory body placed with the Minister responsible for Culture, is competent for questions relating to archaeological research throughout France

Within the regional directorates for cultural affairs, the regional archaeology services, based on the advice of theterritorial commissions for archaeological researchauthorize and control the carrying out of archaeological operations, which may be programmed or preventive. The Department of Underwater and Underwater Research (Drassm) performs the same missions for archaeological operations carried out in the maritime public domain and the contiguous area.

The Ministry of Culture preserves scientific data in repositories and conservation and study centres. It makes them available to researchers and students who can continue the studies begun during excavations and restore the evolution of knowledge through publications.

Promote archaeology

The Ministry of Culture and all archaeological stakeholders promote access to the results of archaeological research through various actions: activities in conservation and study centers and archaeological sites, the publication of books and magazines for specialists and for all audiences, exhibitions in museums...

Every year, on the occasion of the European Archaeology Days and the European Heritage Days, many archaeological sites open their doors. Everyone can come to learn, visit and learn.

It is also possible to learn about archaeology in participating in an excavation site.