European Archaeology Days 2020 event starts today, with the three-day feast of archaeology celebrated in a different way for the first time.

Since 2010, the French Ministry of Culture has placed the co-ordination and promotion of France’s National Archaeology Days (JNA) in the hands of the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap).

These three days will be used to raise awareness and familiarize European audiences with all aspects of archaeology. A range of original and festive events will be organized, to allow families, schools, students, history enthusiasts, or the merely curious to discover their archaeological heritage. Visits to places that are not normally open to the public (excavation sites, research centers, archaeological collections, etc.), meetings with archaeological professionals (archaeologists, researchers, etc.), who will be describing their profession to the public, along with a range of entertaining and educational activities (an introduction to excavation, demonstrations, workshops, etc.), are just some of the wide variety of programs available at the European Archaeology Days.

The JNA expanded to include all of Europe in 2019. For the first time, seventeen countries participated. In 2020, France’s National Archaeology Days will become the European Archaeology Days.

In light of the COVID19 epidemic, the 11th edition of the Archaeology Days (JEA) will not take place in their traditional form. In order to nonetheless celebrate archaeology with all audiences, INRAP is launching #Archeorama, an event held under the aegis of the French Ministry of Culture.

Aimed at giving all stakeholders the chance to contribute to this annual celebration of archaeology and to experience it in a new light, without having to stray far from home, #Archeorama opens up avenues for creating digital events, promoting on-line resources, and planning events with audiences on-site as soon as the public health situation allows. From 3D reconstructions to special reports, virtual tours, or virtual events, digital activities of all kinds are offered to introduce you to archaeology.

To see what is planned in each European country, click here and pick a country from the dropdown menu (top right).