Definition
Revue Archéologique is a scholarly, peer‑reviewed academic journal dedicated to the publication of research in archaeology, art history, and related fields, primarily focusing on the archaeology of France and the broader Mediterranean region.
Overview
The journal was founded in 1857 by the Société des Antiquaires de France, one of the oldest learned societies devoted to the study of antiquities in France. It has been continuously published since its inception, making it one of the longest‑running archaeological periodicals in the world. The Revue Archéologique appears semi‑annually (twice a year) and includes articles, excavation reports, critical reviews of recent literature, and occasional notices of archaeological discoveries and museum acquisitions. While the majority of contributions are in French, the journal occasionally publishes papers in other languages, particularly English, to reach a broader scholarly audience.
Etymology/Origin
The title combines the French word revue (meaning “review” or “journal”) with archéologique, the adjectival form of archéologie (archaeology). Thus, the name translates directly to “Archaeological Review.” The term reflects the journal’s purpose as a venue for critical review and dissemination of archaeological scholarship.
Characteristics
- Publisher: Société des Antiquaires de France, in partnership with various academic publishing houses over its history (e.g., Presses Universitaires de France).
- Frequency: Semi‑annual (typically two issues per year).
- Language: Predominantly French; occasional articles in English or other languages.
- Scope: Archaeology of pre‑historic, classical, medieval, and early modern periods, with a special emphasis on French sites; also includes studies in art history, epigraphy, numismatics, and heritage conservation.
- Peer‑review process: Articles undergo double‑blind peer review by specialists in the relevant sub‑disciplines.
- Accessibility: Recent issues are available both in print and electronically through academic databases such as JSTOR, Persée, and the journal’s own website; older volumes have been digitized and are accessible via the Bibliothèque nationale de France’s digital library, Gallica.
- Impact: Recognized as a reputable venue within the Francophone archaeological community; it contributes to the dissemination of fieldwork results and methodological advances.
Related Topics
- Société des Antiquaires de France
- French archaeological journals (e.g., Cahiers du Centre d'Études Alexandrines, Archéologie du Moyen Âge)
- Archaeology of France
- History of archaeological publishing
- Peer‑review process in the humanities
Note: All information presented is drawn from established bibliographic records and the journal’s own publication history.