Archaeologists in France have discovered ancient skeletons buried in a rare seated position beneath the Josephine Baker school complex in Dijon. The find, announced by Inrap, France’s national institution for preventive archaeology, includes five to six new graves, adding to a previous excavation that uncovered 13 graves in 2024. The skeletons date back to the Gallic period, which lasted from the fifth century B.C. to 50 B.C. The graves are notable for their unusual arrangement, with skeletons positioned at the bottom of circular pits, facing west, and lacking personal items, except for a black stone armband from the third century B.C. Moreover, some skeletons show signs of unhealed violence, indicating potential intentional killings, which adds an intriguing layer to the discovery.
Why It Matters
This discovery is significant for understanding burial practices during the Gallic period in France, a time marked by Celtic tribes known as the Gauls. Seated burials are rare, with only about a dozen sites yielding such findings, typically associated with elite individuals or sacred places. The injuries found on some skeletons may provide insights into the violent conflicts that occurred during this era. Furthermore, these excavations contribute to the broader narrative of archaeological discoveries in France, which have included notable finds such as 16th-century gallows and a shipwreck, illustrating the country’s rich historical landscape.
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