Mérimée as an archaeologist The (mis)fortunes of the science of beginnings

In order to understand Mérimée’s doctrine and method as an archaeologist, it is necessary to follow him on his tours, read his scholarly publications, and consider his participation in different institutions. Without neglecting classical archaeology, he favored the Middle Ages, Roman Gaul, and, more surprisingly, archaeology described as “Celtic.” In these fields, his activity will by no means be a long quiet river.