Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023
10h-12h30 and 14h30-18h
Open access
PROGRAM

• Saturday 16 September at 3pm
  Lectures (1/2 hour each) followed by a discussion
  Revealing an Assyrian capital: the excavations of Max Mallowan in Nimrud, Iraq, 1949-1958
  Lecture by Gaëlle Coqueugniot, Maison des Sciences de l'Homme Mondes
  Nimrud is one of the capitals of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which dominates much of the East around 900-600 BC. After its discovery and the clearing of some monuments in the nineteenth century, It is the subject of extensive excavations by the British School of Archaeology in Iraq, under the direction of Max Mallowan. The site, which lasts several months a year in often difficult conditions, is characteristic of archaeology in the East in this pivotal period, where modern excavation techniques are gradually adopted. Beyond the important archaeological findings published by the excavators, the memoirs of Max Mallowan and his wife Agatha Christie offer a valuable testimony to life on the ground and to Eastern archaeology in the mid-twentieth century.
  Meeting point in Khorsabad: discovering the Assyrians and the pioneers of Eastern archaeology
  Lecture by Grégoire Nicolet, Department of Oriental Antiquities of the Louvre Museum
  In March 1843, Paul-Emile Botta discovered large reliefs of stone under the mound of Khorsabad and thus rediscovered the Assyrians. With this discovery, he launched archaeological research in Mesopotamia and the cuneiform inscriptions that covered these stones also accelerated the deciphering of this writing. This conference traces the adventure of the pioneers of Eastern archaeology who brought the Assyrians from Khorsabad to the Louvre Museum in Paris, a journey that was marked among other things by the tragic episode of the sinking of the boats of Victor Place. It will also give a large place to the architecture of the palace built by Sargon II as well as to Assyrian art through the collections of the Louvre.
  Subject to availability of places
• During both days
  Archaeological site and exhibition «Agatha Christie in search of archaeology»
  Free access during the two daysThe Tower of Gaul of AlixDigital projection of original plates extracted from the albums: Alix the intrepid, The travels of Alix: Babylon Mesopotamia, Alix senator: The slave of Khorsabad. On the occasion of its 75th anniversary and as part of its Tour de Gaule emblematic sites of the Gallo-Roman era, Alix makes another stop in Périgueux. Because his story begins in Khorsabad (Iraq), this comic character is linked with the exhibition «Agatha Christie in search of archaeology» and with the conference of Grégoire Nicolet. Khorsabad was indeed one of the main cities of the Assyrian Empire, with Nineveh and Nimrud where Max Mallowan and Agatha Christie searched. A partnership with Casterman and the Festival BD de Bassillac-et-Auberoche.
  Guided tour of the Vesunna Museum
  11h-15h and 16h (except during Saturday afternoon conferences)
  The domus of Vésone and the museum of Jean Nouvel
  45 min. Subject to availability. Free
  Restitution of the «This is my Heritage» device
  Discover the adventures of Agatha Christie in the Middle East around an original work filmed in stop-motion (directors Lara and Maud JASKULA of the Association Les Embobinés), with the recording of children in voice-over. Video broadcast in the museum, streaming.
  Family animation
  Workshop-discovery and archeo-playful manipulations supervised by the mediators of the museum to learn about the archaeological missions of Agatha Christie on the excavation sites of the Middle East.
  Workshop from 7 years old, to do with family
  Subject to availability. Free
  Investigation with Agatha
  Game booklet to visit the exhibition Agatha Christie in search of archaeology in family.
  From 7 years old
  Due to sanitary measures come equipped with a personal pencil
  The gifts of Silvinus
  Game booklet to visit Vesunna with your family.
  From 7 years old
  Due to sanitary measures come equipped with a personal pencil
  Audio guided tour of Vesunna
  Discovery of Vesunna, the archaeological site of the domus of Vesone and collections
  Gallo-Roman that evoke the history of ancient Périgueux.
  French, English, German, Spanish
  Link on smartphone given at reception
  AND AROUND VESUNNA
  Tèrra Aventura – “Vesone and the Dragon”
  A treasure hunt to visit the Gallo-Roman city otherwise
  Over the whole period
  Open access
  An original walk based on the principle of Geocaching that allows you to discover New Aquitaine while having fun!
  In Périgueux, the thematic route «Zigomatix» will allow you to discover the Gallo-Roman city and the district of the City, while having fun. It is for all, for a good time with family!
  How to play? Just download the free Tèrra Aventura app 100% on your phone, and follow the directions.
  Go in search of the Holy Grail: the Poi'z. These small characters with strong character populate the universe of “Terra Aventura”… and their badges are collectible! But be careful, to find them, you will have to pick up clues and solve puzzles.
  To view the full program and schedules, please visit the museum website: www.perigueux-vesunna.fr and the site www.culture.gouv.fr/We-know/National events/European Heritage Days.