A Suse : Journal des fouilles, 1884-1886

This volume gathers the vivid notes and detailed sketches of a late‑19th‑century archaeological venture into the ruins of ancient Suse. Drawing on photographs taken by a team of artists and engineers, the journal captures the stark beauty of the Persian landscape, the bustling preparations aboard steamships, and the restless anticipation of the excavators as they approach the forgotten palaces of the Achaemenid empire. The narrator, a keen observer traveling with her husband Marcel, records the blend of scientific curiosity and personal awe that defines the early days of the mission.

Beyond the romance of discovery, the account reveals the practical challenges of mounting such an expedition: securing funds from French museums, negotiating firmans with Persian officials, and navigating the uneasy politics of the region. Interactions with local leaders, medical advisers, and military support paint a picture of a delicate balance between scholarly ambition and diplomatic caution. Readers are invited to share the excitement of standing on the brink of history, poised to uncover the secrets hidden beneath centuries of sand.