Index Archaeology

Archaeology

Archaeology studies the past through remains and relics preserved in the ground and under water. There are some 17 000 ancient monuments and sites in Finland and more are being discovered all the time. Antiquities are an important legacy from past generations. They tell of life, habitation, communications and the movement of people, means of livelihood, religious practices, and the burial of the dead.

All ancient monuments and sites in Finland are protected under the provisions of the Antiquities Act. At the National Board of Antiquities, the Department of Archaeology and the Department of Monuments and Sites are responsibile for maintaining and caring for the archaeological cultural heritage along with certain provincial museums in Finland.

Clay idol from Jokiniemi in Vantaa. Photo: Ritva Bäckman.