The Cher. History and archaeology of a river

This research is part of the systemic approach to waterways as it has been developed over the past twenty years around the concept of the hydrosystem. The water space and all its diversity, its geographic constraints and sheer historic breadth – from the Middle Ages through to today – takes pride of place in these questions. 

Although the river is a place for navigation, this practice has had to make room for other uses. All sorts of activities (water as a resource and as a source of energy) have shaped a landscape that is at times negotiated, at other times shared, and usually divided. The Cher, a tributary of the Loire, clearly manifests these historic states, going from a natural waterway to an abandoned river, becoming a trading route and river-machine along the way. 

These changes are clearly expressed in this work to which many authors from diverse institutions have contributed. Presentation of documentary sources and archaeological sites, monographic approaches, thematic contributions and a glossary form a considerable tome, illustrated by rich iconography putting the river territory of the Cher in the spotlight. 

Published by FERACF 

July 2013 

328 pages, €37 + carriage expenses 

Online:

• Le Cher. Histoire et archéologie d’un cours d’eau