The principles and methods of archaeothanatology are now widely accepted for an optimized approach and understanding of funerary and mortuary contexts, both for past and present societies. Nevertheless, there is sometimes a lack of transmission and training concerning these principles, or even a real lack of knowledge, on the part of the actors of archaeology. This can lead to a poor approach in the field, and even to the non-recognition of structures and gestures, which then leads to an irremediable loss of primary data, equivalent to the pure and simple destruction of sites.
Beyond the participation in academic teaching intended for a specialized public (masters, diploma of establishment), this project aims to allow archaeologists (and to a lesser extent historians) to integrate into their own approach - and from the earliest phases of the work - specific questions to archaeothanatology. This will allow for a synergy conducive to an optimized study, to a thorough analysis and to the creation of quality primary data that can be transmitted, exploited and maintained.
The interest of the international dimension of this project, which includes summer schools and field training (field school type), has been attested to by a precursory CIVIS project (2021-2023). The training has led to a better understanding between countries and their research institutions, and has opened the door to better international collaborations. We are going to perpetuate this training offer and to inscribe it in a wider framework than the one reserved to the only universities of the CIVIS alliance, since it will also be opened to archaeology professionals.
To conclude, it is important to specify that this methodological axis relies to a large extent on the immediate working environment of the BONES team, which allows it access to exceptional primary resources (DRAC-SUD regional osteotheque containing more than 10,000 skeletons, and access to the PACS archiving system of the AP-HM, which contains more than 3 million medical imaging examinations), as well as on long-established collaborations (local, national, and international) that support the strong scientific legitimacy of the projects underway. This methodological axis will also represent an important federating element of the BONES team, insofar as it involves all the members, whatever their disciplinary field of affiliation.