Archéologie urbaine, une aventure septentrionale dans le sillage des Trente Glorieuses : l’exemple de l’ancienne région Nord – Pas-de-Calais

Abstract

Northwestern Europe is one of the main centers of urban culture, welcoming the major ports of the North Sea, trading with the Baltic and the Mediterranean. The urban destruction following the conflicts of the 20th century, then the restructuring of the post-war period, provoked a real awareness of heritage during the 1970s. In the North of France, there was a significant increase in the number of jobs of municipal archaeologist as in Douai, Arras or Lille. Gradually, decision-makers are supporting major development projects with measures to take into account archeology, which, as far as possible, allow the memory of places to be preserved. The practice of urban archeology in the region is not, however, the exclusive preserve of municipal archaeologists. Several formulas have been tested according to local contexts, combining agents from the regional archeological service, staff from AFAN and local associations. The laws of 2001/2003 will have an impact on urban archeology as it was practiced. Some municipal services transpose their activity to the level of an urban community. Other structures, unable to meet the criteria for approval, will devote themselves to other activities such as heritage development or the study of collections. Finally, some archaeologists, once the major developments have been completed, devote themselves to museum management tasks. As a result, INRAP has to invest more in taking urban archeology into account, then, from 2003, some urban excavations are carried out by private contractors.

Keywords

• archéologue municipal
• Afan
• loi de 2001
• loi de 2003
• communauté d’agglomération
• Inrap