Archaeologists Uncover 13 Upright Skeletons in Ancient French Burial Ground
Archaeologists have made a startling discovery in Dijon, France, unearthing 13 skeletons positioned upright in an ancient burial site. The excavation took place in the former garden of the Cordeliers convent, with the graves dating back to the second Iron Age, approximately 400 BC to 100 BC.
Grisly Details of the Discovery
In a horrifying twist, investigators also identified a Gallo-Roman necropolis from the 1st Century AD nearby, containing the remains of around 20 infants believed to have died before their first birthday. The upright skeletons were placed in 13 circular burial pits, each about one meter in diameter, arranged in a straight north-south line spanning 25 meters.
An additional five or six burials uncovered in a later phase of excavation appear to follow a similar pattern. Despite erosion over centuries, many of the remains are remarkably well preserved, offering a clear window into the past.
Analysis of the Seated Individuals
Initial analysis reveals that all 13 seated individuals were men aged between 40 and 60, standing between 1.62 meters and 1.82 meters tall. Researchers note they appear to have been in relatively good health, showing signs of physical activity and strong teeth.
However, several skeletons bear evidence of violence. Five or six show unhealed injuries, including cuts to the upper arm bone, suggesting they may have been deliberately killed. One individual appears to have died after receiving two blows to the skull from a sharp weapon.
Burial Practices and Artifacts
The bodies were buried in a consistent and unusual manner: seated at the base of the pit, backs against the eastern wall and facing west. Their arms were placed alongside their bodies, with hands near the pelvis or thighs, and their legs tightly bent.
Aside from a single black stone armband dated between 300 and 200 BC, no personal objects were found with the skeletons. This lack of grave goods adds to the mystery of their burial and demise.
Significance of the Findings
Experts say the findings contribute to growing evidence of a structured Gallic settlement in the area prior to the Roman era. The discovery on Rue Turgot is considered particularly significant due to both the number of burials uncovered and the exceptional condition in which they have been preserved.
Further analysis is expected to provide deeper insight into the lives and deaths of those buried at the site, shedding light on ancient practices and conflicts in this region of France.
