“Ancient Mystery: Luxurious Purple and Gold Fabric Discovered in 1,600-Year-Old French Necropolis”
Uncovering The Ancient Fabric At A French Necropolis
Archaeologists began excavating a necropolis at Saint-Pierre-l’Estrier in Autun, France, in 2020. The burial ground, which was in use between the third and fifth centuries C.E., held at least 230 graves and countless artifacts.
The items found in the tombs revealed that some of the deceased were likely high-status members of ancient French society. Prestigious objects like amber pins, golden jewelry, and rare glassware discovered at the site would have been reserved for the elite. Other graves may have belonged to some of the earliest Christians in the region who converted at the end of the second century C.E.
Carole Fossurier/InrapThe sarcophagus in Burial 47 where the fabric was discovered.
However, perhaps the most stunning discovery came from a tomb dubbed Burial 47. The sarcophagus inside held a 1,600-year-old piece of fabric that was still partially intact.
“In grave number 47’s lead coffin filled with earth, archaeologists discovered golden reflections at the moment of opening,” the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) explained in a video posted on YouTube. “A large number of golden threads [made] them think that they [were looking] at the remains of a fabric.”
The cloth was purple, a color associated with the elite during the period the necropolis was in use. While much of the fabric had disintegrated, the brilliant gold threads that were woven throughout it were still in excellent condition. It was likely once a shroud or tunic that was five feet long, though it was encrusted with dirt that had infiltrated the sarcophagus.
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