Ancient Celtic Necropolis With Magnificent Swords And Artifacts But No Human Remains Discovered
Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – Archaeologists have made fascinating discoveries at an ancient Celtic necropolis in Creuzier-le-Neuf, near Vichy in central France. During excavations, they uncovered 100 graves within a 650 m² burial area but found no human remains due to the acidic soil. However, they did discover a single cremation in a funerary vase.
View of the sword from burial 782 when it was discovered. Credit: V. Georges, INRAP
The site dates back approximately 2,300 years to the height of Celtic civilization from 400–200 BC, when Celtic-speaking peoples were widespread across Europe.
The site dates back approximately 2,300 years to the height of Celtic civilization from 400–200 BC, when Celtic-speaking peoples were widespread across Europe. During this period, the Celts were known for their advanced metalworking skills, intricate artistic designs, and complex social structures. Archaeological evidence suggests the site may have been a significant settlement or trading hub.
A copper alloy bracelet was found at the site. Credit: Flore Giraud/INRAP
The necropolis also provides invaluable information about religious practices at the time; ritual objects found in sacrificial pits indicate that ceremonial activities were integral to community life. Overall, this archaeological site serves as a crucial window into understanding how these ancient communities lived, interacted, and contributed to Europe’s cultural heritage.
Funerary vase discovered in the cremation grave. Credit: Flore Giraud/INRAP
The necropolis was first identified during preventive archaeological surveys by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) in 2022 and is comparable in size to other sites in Champagne and Burgundy.
One of the decorated bracelets. Credit: Flore Giraud/INRAP
Among the artifacts unearthed were beautiful metal ornaments buried by Celts, including closed rings or bracelets with hidden clasps—some simple coiled alloy rods and others with intricate designs, INRAP said in a press release.
The sword after restoration works. Credit: Flore Giraud/INRAP
A close-up of the sword. Credit: Flore Giraud/INRAP
Additionally, archaeologists found 18 fibulas or brooches that had suffered significant damage over time. These required immediate preservation and reconstruction at the CREAM laboratory in Vienna. One exceptional fibula featured a polished gem adorned with a disc showcasing silver leaf and repoussé motifs.
This is the second sword found in one of the Celtic graves. Credit: Flore Giraud/INRAP
A particularly remarkable discovery was two rare sets of swords found within separate graves—an uncommon find in European archaeology. The first sword (grave 782) features an elongated blade with antennae on its handle made of iron and copper alloys; X-rays revealed decorative elements like circles and crescent moons dating from early 4th-century BC designs.
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The second sword (grave 990), still accompanied by suspension rings for wearing at the waist, is notable for its simplicity aside from discreet eyespots on its scabbard’s top edge; remnants of fabric caught behind suggest connections to garments or shrouds belonging to one deceased individual during this period also originating around early-to-mid-4th century BC production timescales across Europe’s historical landscape—a testament offering unique insights into France’s rich Celtic heritage through these extraordinary finds requiring extensive conservation efforts before sharing them publicly today!
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
