Ancient skeletons were discovered in a “sitting” position beneath a school in Dijon, France
The discovery was announced by Inrap, the French National Foundation for Preventive Archeology, in a press release in March.
The skeletons were found on the grounds of the Josephine Baker school complex in Dijon, about 195 miles southeast of Paris. The campus serves students from preschool through elementary school.
A construction crew discovered a surprising 300-year-old cannon while digging in the historic city
The tombs date back to the Gallic period in France, a time when Celtic tribes known as the Gauls lived in the region.
The Gaul period lasted from the 5th century BC to 50 BC, when Julius Caesar was victorious Area.
Archaeologists in France have discovered several ancient burials beneath the site of a modern school, with skeletons arranged in a rare sitting position dating back to the Gallic era. (Frédéric Bouregault/AFP via Getty Images)
Inrab first found similar Gaelic burials at the site in 2024.
While excavators found 13 graves two years ago, they discovered “five to six” new graves during the latest excavation – three of which formed a second parallel line.
Pictures of the site show archaeologists carefully excavating sections of the earth in circular pits, placing skeletons inside.
Inrab said the new tombs “were sitting at the bottom of the pit, with their backs to the eastern wall, facing west,” according to a translated statement.
“Only about a dozen archaeological sites have yielded about 50 ‘sitting’ burials.”
“Their arms rest along the torso and their hands near the pelvis or femur,” the statement described.
Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz
“Their legs are tightly bent, and often asymmetrical.”
What adds to the mystery is that archaeologists did not find any personal or personal items Grave offeringsIn addition to the armband made of black stone, which dates back to the third century BC
The skeletons were found without any funerary objects, except for a single black stone insignia dating to the 3rd century BC, deepening the site’s mystery. (Frédéric Bouregault/AFP via Getty Images)
Archaeologists have released few details about the site, but noted that graves found in 2024 showed “signs of presence.” Unaddressed violence“.
Inrab said the injuries “most likely indicate intentional killing” and included wounds to the upper arm bone.
Click here to subscribe to our lifestyle newsletter
The statement said, “One person was hit twice with a sharp object (possibly a sword) in the skull.”
Officials also said the discovery was significant for the number of burials and the “good state of preservation of the skeleton.”
The skeletons date back to the Gallic era, which extended from the 5th century BC to 50 BC, when Julius Caesar conquered the region (shown at left). (Limage/Corbis via Getty Images; Frédéric Bouregault/AFP via Getty Images)
The statement said: “Examples of individuals buried in a sitting position have been known since the Mesolithic Age, and although rare, they have been known throughout prehistoric times.”
“Only a dozen archaeological sites have yielded about 50 ‘seated’ burials, usually located near elite residences, sanctuaries or places of worship, and separate from standard cemeteries.”
Click here for more lifestyle stories
Archaeologists are still investigating whether the individuals were warriors, members of elite families, or figures Related to religious practices.
Fox News Digital reached out to Inrap for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
“Examples of individuals buried in a sitting position have been known since the Mesolithic period, and although rare, they have been known throughout prehistory,” Inrab said. (Frédéric Bouregault/AFP via Getty Images)
The latest discovery is one of several recent notable archaeological discoveries in France.
Last year, archaeologists in Inrap unearthed a 16th-century artifact gallows, Where prisoners condemned during the Protestant Reformation were displayed.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Last summer, officials announced the discovery of a rare species A shipwreck in the 16th century In French waters, they are found at a record depth.
Post Comment