Deep beneath the rolling hills of Marliens, France, a team of archaeologists from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) has stumbled upon a remarkable discovery – a prehistoric monument unlike anything ever seen before.
The excavation, conducted prior to the expansion of a gravel pit, unearthed a complex of structures spanning millennia. Across a vast area of 60,000 square meters, evidence emerged of human activity ranging from the Neolithic period (beginning around 7000 BC) to the Early Iron Age.
But the most captivating find undoubtedly is the monument itself. Composed of three round enclosures, it presents a unique configuration – one central circular enclosure measuring 11 meters in diameter flanked by a horseshoe-shaped enclosure to the north and an open enclosure to the south. A layer of gravel within the two side enclosures suggests the presence of a palisade, a wooden fence for defense or demarcation.
The monument’s age and purpose remain shrouded in mystery. Researchers haven’t encountered a similar structure elsewhere, leaving them to piece together its significance through further analysis. However, the presence of flint artifacts near the site hints at a potential Neolithic origin. Radiocarbon dating is underway to pinpoint the monument’s exact chronology.
While the monument stands as an enigmatic centerpiece, other intriguing finds paint a picture of diverse burial practices across time. Numerous artifacts associated with the Bell Beaker culture, flourishing around 4,500 years ago, were unearthed nearby. This assemblage included seven flint arrowheads, archer’s armbands, a flint lighter, and a captivating copper alloy dagger. Notably, traces of iron oxide were identified on one of the armbands, possibly linked to fire-starting techniques. Although the combination of these objects often signifies burials, researchers haven’t been able to conclusively confirm this hypothesis.
Another captivating discovery was a gravesite dating back to 1500-1300 BC. This site featured five circular enclosures, with one enclosure notably sealed. The largest enclosure revealed traces of a funeral pyre, suggesting cremation practices. Nearby, fragments of pottery and an amber bead necklace offered further clues about the burial rituals.
Some 1,300 feet away, a separate site yielded evidence of Iron Age cremations. Ashes from six individuals were found alongside urns containing various forms of jewelry, including rings and bracelets.
These diverse burial practices offer a glimpse into the evolving beliefs and rituals of the communities that inhabited this region over millennia. Further studies of the unearthed artifacts promise to shed more light on their specific uses and potential symbolic meanings.
The INRAP team’s discoveries in Marliens not only unveil a previously unknown prehistoric monument but also provide a captivating window into the lives and deaths of those who inhabited this land for thousands of years. As research progresses, we can anticipate a deeper understanding of the ingenuity and cultural richness of these ancient societies.