What is a French Archaeological Mission?
The French archaeological mission was first funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEAE) in 2013. Since 2019, it has also become one of the Arctic projects funded by the French Polar Institute Paul-Émile Victor (IPEV).
For over 70 years, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has worked towards safeguarding, protecting and securing cultural heritage worldwide and to ensure the excellence and sustainability of research. French archaeological missions are key actors in international scientific cooperation. French archaeological missions are usually, but not exclusively, funded in part by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Since the mid-19th century, close ties were forged between archaeology and diplomacy. This process continued in the wake of the Second World War, through the creation of the “Commission consultative des recherches archéologiques françaises à l’étranger” (Excavation Commission), initiated by General de Gaulle and the archaeologist Henri Seyrig.
Henri Seyrig (London, July 1942), when meeting with Charles de Gaulle
(© Archives Seyrig)
Since the mid-19th century, close ties were forged between archaeology and diplomacy. This process continued in the wake of the Second World War, through the creation of the “Commission consultative des recherches archéologiques françaises à l’étranger” (Excavation Commission), initiated by General de Gaulle and the archaeologist Henri Seyrig.
Henri Seyrig (London, July 1942), when meeting with Charles de Gaulle
(© Archives Seyrig)
This Excavation Commission brings together the best specialists on the geographical areas and periods concerned to evaluate each year the scientific quality of research projects and propose the main scientific guidelines to be followed abroad.
This Excavation Commission brings together the best specialists on the geographical areas and periods concerned to evaluate each year the scientific quality of research projects and propose the main scientific guidelines to be followed abroad.
French archaeology is a particularly relevant diplomatic asset in a context of economic globalization and growing pressure from human and environmental threats to major sites of civilization. The long-standing partnerships French archaeology creates on the ground sometimes help maintain or restart dialogue that transcends political developments in the host country.
The French Polar Institute Paul-Émile Victor (Institut polaire français Paul-Émile Victor, IPEV) is a public organization responsible for implementing French research in the Polar Regions (Antarctic, Arctic and Sub-arctic regions) since 1992. It is a continuation of the French Polar Expeditions launched in 1947 by Paul-Émile Victor.
After years of exploration and research, Paul-Émile Victor created the French Polar Expeditions that he directed until 1976. These expeditions set out on the roads that would sustainably lead French scientific research to Greenland and Antarctica. During these twenty-nine years, 150 expeditions were carried out, of which he directed 17 in Terre-Adélie and 14 in Greenland.
Undated photo of Paul-Émile Victor
(© AFP)
After years of exploration and research, Paul-Émile Victor created the French Polar Expeditions that he directed until 1976. These expeditions set out on the roads that would sustainably lead French scientific research to Greenland and Antarctica. During these twenty-nine years, 150 expeditions were carried out, of which he directed 17 in Terre-Adélie and 14 in Greenland.
Undated photo of Paul-Émile Victor
(© AFP)
