Archaeologists in Dijon, France, excavating the garden of a former convent, have unearthed a remarkable collection of Gallic graves and a children’s necropolis, both over 2,000 years old. The Gallic burials are unique due to the seated posture of the deceased, all facing west. This unusual arrangement, dating between 450 and 25 BCE, is a rare occurrence, with only nine similar sites identified in France, according to the National Institute for Preventative Archaeological Research (INRAP).
Ancient French Burial
Uncommon Gallic Burial Practices
Only a dozen seated Gallic graves are known worldwide, with three located in Switzerland. This discovery adds to a series of significant finds by INRAP, including a stunning gold ring unearthed last year in a Bronze Age settlement in Brittany. The unique funerary practice raises questions about the social standing of the deceased, suggesting they may have held positions of political or religious importance, or shared kinship ties.
Children’s Necropolis Unveiled
Dating back to the 1st century CE, the necropolis contains the remains of 22 children. INRAP’s press release explains that the actual number of burials could have been higher, as modern agricultural activities damaged several graves. The children, likely under a year old at the time of death, were buried on their backs or sides, a conventional practice for the period.
A child
The presence of stone casings and nails suggests that some children were interred in wooden coffins, long since decayed. Grave goods, including coins and ceramics, were also discovered within some of the children’s graves.
Evolving Land Use Over Centuries
Beyond the burial sites, archaeologists discovered ancient planting pits from the Gallo-Roman period, indicating a transition from burial ground to agricultural land. Further evidence of changing land use came in the form of bovine skulls dating to the 16th or 17th century CE, suggesting the area later served as a butchery.
INRAP’s Ongoing Archaeological Discoveries
INRAP continues its archaeological work across France. Following the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the institute unearthed two lead sarcophagi beneath the cathedral floor. One sarcophagus was identified as containing the remains of Joachim du Bellay, a horseman and poet who died in 1560, while the other held Antoine de la Porte, a church official who died in 1710.
Conclusion
The discovery of the seated Gallic burials and the children’s necropolis in Dijon offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient burial practices and the evolving use of land over centuries. These findings highlight the importance of archaeological research in understanding our past. INRAP’s continued work promises further insights into France’s rich history, and we anticipate their upcoming review of the year’s most significant archaeological discoveries.
