Protection of the archaeological heritage
The archaeological heritage, common good of the Nation, is a precious and non-renewable resource protected by law. The State acts for its preservation, in conjunction with other actors of archaeology.
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The archaeological heritage
The archaeological heritage consists of all the remains, properties and other traces of the existence of humanity, including the context in which they fall, whose preservation and study make it possible to trace the development of human history and its relationship with the natural environment.
Archaeological heritage includes:
- real estate remains (ruins, mosaics, menhirs, etc.)
- movable remains (objects manufactured or shaped by man, animal remains, plant or organic remains)
- anthropobiological remains, that is, human remains discovered during archaeological operations
- the context of the discovery of the remains
It can be on land, underground or under water.
Protecting the archaeological heritage
A vestige torn from its context just like the physical destruction of a site leads to an irremediable loss of information and knowledge for the scientific community and more generally for any citizen attached to the history of the territory.
How does the State ensure the protection of archaeological heritage?
- It draws up a national inventory of archaeological sites: the National archaeological map
- It authorizes and ensures the scientific and technical control of archaeological operations In this context, the use of metal detectors is subject to authorisation
- It controls the circulation of the remains on the national territory and outside the territory
- It raises public awareness through European Archaeology Days, European Heritage Days, exhibitions, etc., or through the dissemination of prevention media
- It fights against archaeological looting in connection with the services of the national police and gendarmerie, and Customs. Attacks on archaeological heritage constitute criminal offences.
Archaeological heritage, a fragile and non-renewable cultural property
A booklet to explain archaeology, the profession of archaeologist and the dangers of looting.
Everyone is concerned with the protection of archaeological heritage. The discovery of remains must be declared.
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