This paper is devoted to the influence of the processes associated with the formation of the national state on the institutionalization of archeology. It characterizes the basic prerequisites of archaeology and nationalism. The author identifies such areas and aspects of their interaction as the formation of scientific infrastructure and protective legislation, the museums’ arrangement, the writing of textbooks and design of state symbols. The role of national systems for the institutionalization of Russian archeology at various stages of its development is shown in the paper.

Key words: archeology, nationalism, national state, social memory, ethno-political science.