Mysterious Iron Age "Sword Tomb" Unearthed in France: Secrets of the Past Surface with Remarkable Artifacts

Mysterious Iron Age "Sword Tomb" Unearthed in France: Secrets of the Past Surface with Remarkable Artifacts

The most remarkable discovery, however, was that of a rare set of swords, of which there are few comparable examples in the annals of European archaeology.

The Discovery Of A Celtic Necropolis From The Iron Age

French Cremation Vase

Flore Giraud/INRAPA vase containing cremated remains that was found at the necropolis.

According to a statement from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), researchers first discovered the sprawling necropolis — similar in size to other sites in Champagne and Burgundy — during preventive archaeological surveys back in 2022.

Copper Alloy Bracelet

Flore Giraud/INRAPA copper alloy bracelet found at the site.

They did not find any human remains at the site, though there was a single cremation in a funerary vase. But while they could not carry out an anthropological study of the site, they did find a wealth of ancient treasures that they could analyze. They carried out this research over the past three years, announcing the results on April 15.

What archaeologists found is that, while devoid of human remains, many of the graves contained metal ornaments — nearly half, in fact. Of these, many were closed rings or bracelets with hidden clasps. Some of these were made of simple coiled alloy rods, but others featured more decoration and elaborate designs.

One grave, for instance, contained a pair of well-preserved bracelets decorated with circular shapes and curves.

Decorated Bracelet Detail

Flore Giraud/INRAPA detail of the decorations on one bracelet.

Archaeologists also found 18 fibulas, or brooches, that had been significantly damaged over time. These brooches required immediate preservation and reconstruction, which researchers at the CREAM laboratory in Vienna were successfully able to do. One of these fibulas, the “most exceptional,” featured a polished gem and was adorned with a disc that featured a silver leaf and repoussé motifs.

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