A day with a Lugdunum archaeologist

Jordan Boucard - a 31-year-old fan of the Indiana Jones films - began with a bachelor’s degree in the history of art and archaeology, worked on successful digs in Croatia and Rome, and ended up at Lugdunum – Museum and Roman Theaters in 2021. “There are remains everywhere in Lyon, that’s why the works are taking so long”, underlines Jordan. Digs sometimes take a long time, but they’re essential to document the occupation of the city between ancient and medieval times. The ancient theatre itself still has “archaeological reserves” to excavate. Jordan nevertheless says that we must “leave some for future generations, (…) they’ll have access to new technologies”. But that doesn’t stand in the way of new discoveries on known remains: “taking a fresh look with current data provides us with new archaeological information”, explains Jordan.

In Lugdunum, archaeology is not only about discovery. Between Fourvière theatre and the mausolea on Place Wernert, the archaeologist has a three-pronged mission: ensuring the archaeological relics at Lugdunum museum are properly preserved, coordinating potential renovation works, and above all showcasing existing exhibits. “In 2025, we’re going to add panels using augmented reality in the Roman theatre and Trion mausolea, allowing us to recreate life in Lugdunum in the 2nd century. It’s a project I’ve been busy on for three years.”

Further information

Check out Jordan and the teams’ work in Lugdunum with Un Empire, des peuples (i.e., “One Empire, many peoples”), the brand-new exhibition organised from 4 October focusing on the cultural diversity of the Roman Empire where Greeks, Gauls, and Syrians all coexisted.

© Michel Denancé

Lugdunum - Musée et Théâtres romains

Museum

17 rue Cléberg - 69005 Lyon 5ème
04 72 38 49 30

lugdunum.grandlyon.com/fr/

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