COVER N.144 - FRANCE.

Postmark: 1er jour 08.07.22 - Archéologie sous-marine EUROMED Postal - Paris la Poste 
Posted on the 08th July; received on the 21st July 2022

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The Postal Union of the Mediterranean is an organisation thet brings together  postal operators of the European and Mediterranean region, which was established in Rome in 2011 by 14 Postal Operators and which now has 23 members.

Each year, a common theme is selected for a  joint emission by all members of the organisation, much like the famed EUROPA emissions, each postal administration  being absolutely free to design their own stamps, provided they follow the adopted theme. 

For some reason that I could not identify, the theme for 2022 is two fold: Maritime Archaeology or Antique Cities of Mediterranean. This, as far as I know, happens for the first time, and is probably a one off stunt for next year's theme is already chosen and has no double option.

Anyway. Pierre kindly sent me this very beautiful cover of the French issue, highlighting maritime archaeology,, the 1,65 € stamp being illustrated with a photo of  marine archaeologists recovering a large artefact from the sea bed somewhere in Haute-Corse, West of the Island of  Giraglia. 

The highly striking 1st day postmark is embellished with what I think is the artefact that everybody immediately associates with underwater archaeology: a Roman Amphora.

Thank you so much Pierre!