Recognition of medieval archaeology as a distinct field, worthy of study in its own right, began in France in the 1950s when Michel de Boüard established the Centre de Recherches Archéologiques Médiévales at the Université de Caen. Development of the field accelerated in the 1960s with the establishment of the Laboratoire d'Archéologie Médiévale under the direction of Gabrielle Démians d'Archimbaud at the Université de Provence-Aix and with the creation of formal academic programs at Caen, Aix, and several other universities. It (...) is important to note that the development of medieval archaeology in France occurred regionally and that research and study programs were initiated with a strong regional focus. For example, Aix concentrated on deserted villages, early monasteries, and ceramics, while Caen focused on Frankish cemeteries and medieval castles. (shrink)