Philatelic document - Europa - National archaeological discoveries

Every year in France, archaeological research reveals whole swathes of our past. They shed light on the religious, military and political aspects of our history. From prehistory to Antiquity to the present day, archaeologists are helping to deepen our knowledge of the founding elements of our culture. Archaeological research is a complex and regulated scientific activity, requiring a specific methodology to collect data. Let's make no mistake about it: behind every discovery of an object lies several months, even years, of painstaking work, requiring precise recording of the various stages of the excavation. Every clue, and every place it occupies, is precious insofar as its position is in itself a source of documentation. And every detail counts in making the finds "speak". Objects, protected for centuries by burial, don't always survive in the open air: consolidation, protection or even restoration work is required to preserve them. Once the site has been excavated, the archaeologist's task doesn't stop there: he or she has to clean, inventory, count and study the data in the laboratory... It's a team effort to understand the mysteries of the past, drawing on the knowledge and expertise of many specialists. Witnesses to distant eras, the remains unearthed - tools, bones, pottery, weapons, coins, jewelry, buildings, etc. - are sometimes the only means of understanding the past. - are sometimes the only way to understand the lifestyle and environment of our ancestors. Thanks to the work of passionate archaeologists, a part of our history is restored to us. ==> Caption below photo : Attic Œnochoe (wine jug made in Greece) enhanced with gold discovered in the tomb of a 5th-century BC Celtic prince in Lavau (Aube) by the Inrap (Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives).

Timbre (offset) : mise en page Philaposte d'après photo (c) Renaud Bernadet / INRAP Document Philatélique : mise en page Philaposte d'après photo (c) Emilie Millet / INRAP Cachet d’oblitération : mise en page Philaposte Texte : Fabienne Azire