Archaeologists with Inrap have unearthed a hidden necropolis, or burial ground, dating back to the 5th century AD in Sainte-Marie-aux-Chênes, northeastern France. This small rural cemetery, positioned alongside an ancient road, sheds light on the lives and deaths of those who resided in the area during Late Antiquity.
The necropolis’s location hints at a strong connection to a nearby Roman villa, remains of which were discovered over a decade ago. Interestingly, this isn’t the first archaeological revelation at the site. In 2009, excavations unearthed a 1st-century Roman villa’s farm buildings and a medieval hamlet that thrived until the 12th century. Additionally, three tombs from the Merovingian era (5th-8th centuries AD) containing the remains of a family were found within the ruins of a Roman estate barn.
Fast forward to 2020, as the planned subdivision neared a former mine and factory, archaeological investigations resumed. This time, the focus shifted to the opposite side of the valley, revealing a fascinating story. While severe soil erosion posed a challenge, it also served as a natural protection measure, burying the necropolis beneath layers of sediment and preserving the remains within.
Unearthing these layers revealed a wealth of information. Archaeologists discovered roughly ten cremation structures, including meticulously carved rectangular pits and cruder round niches. Fragmented cremated bone remains were found scattered throughout these structures, alongside some nails, possibly from a coffin, and a fascinating discovery – a pit filled with blacksmithing tools and forge remnants.
In the same area, ten Late Antiquity inhumation graves were meticulously arranged in parallel rows. Each pit held a single body – adults of both sexes and young children – laid in a supine position. Grave goods provided clues about the deceased’s identities. Hairpins and necklaces identified two adult females, while iron nails and traces of wood hinted at burials on wooden biers in the absence of coffins.
A rich array of grave goods accompanied the deceased. Local Argonne clay pottery vessels, believed to have held food offerings, were found near the bodies’ heads or feet. High-quality glassware, including cups, bottles, flasks, and bowls, added to the collection. Jewelry adorned some individuals, featuring mostly copper alloy pieces with beads, amber, and glass paste. Coins, both individual and grouped, were also present, likely held in purses made of perishable materials. Completing the picture were two bone combs and a miniature axe found near a child’s head.
Analysis of the recovered remains is ongoing, aiming to shed light on the deceased’s demographics and health. The necropolis itself is under further study to understand its organization and purpose. This discovery promises to illuminate the lives and funerary practices of the people who inhabited this region during a pivotal period in European history.