ABSTRACT
Relics, as new historical objects, are attracting the attention of numerous disciplines. This study seeks, first, to provide an overview from an international perspective. It considers various kinds of classification: An archaeological and art-historical typology, a hagiographic typology (first Christ and the Virgin, then the “great” saints with their most recent bibliography) and a typology by periods from the Middle Ages to our own day, concluding with a brief comparison between religions. Second, it considers the question of a method or methods. The authenticity of relics does not directly concern historians, but it is important to place them in their historical context. There are many possible approaches: Law and justice, anthropology and medical sciences, and so on. Third, it addresses research prospects: Relics are a booming field. Databases are discussed, and finally some forthcoming colloquia and publications. Relics are an all-encompassing field, and it is impossible to be competent in every subject. Interdisciplinarity is indispensable; it has yet to be organized.
