"To save from oblivion...": from the history of the French archaeological investigations in Indochina

The article examines the early period of the activity of Ecole Frangaise d’Extreme-Orient, which was founded in the late XIX century and played a major role in the development of archaeological research in Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia). The scope of its activities included the search for ancient texts, their translation and publication, the study of culture, art, and beliefs of ethnic groups of Indochina, cataloging and possible restoration of numerous palaces and temples, archaeological research, organization of the museum funds, as well as the publication of research works. Among the most prominent representatives of the first generation of the school’s staff are L. Finot, A. Parmentier, M. Colani, and Russian-born V V Golubev.