A number of spectacular La Tène era ‘Celtic’ burials have recently been uncovered by archaeologists working at Buchères in north central France. Dating from the third and fourth century BC, these richly furnished Gaulish graves were discovered during topsoil stripping at the Aube Logistick Park.

Of the 14 tombs excavated so far, archaeologists have unearthed five warrior burials. These men were armed with swords and spears, with two of the graves also containing evidence for shields. Originally made from leather and wood, the shields had decayed with only the orles (the metal lining perimeter) and the spina cover (the backbone) surviving.

Female burials were also identified and these had been interred with beautiful jewellery, including necklaces, fibulae and bracelets of bronze. In addition, both men and woman wore large brooches on their chests, which were made from either iron or bronze, with some also decorated in coral.

These exceptional Gaulish graves are rare discovery in this part of France and as the images below show, they represent a truly remarkable find.

Sources

Image source (All the images are copyright of Denis Gliksman, of Inrap)

Inrap: Gallic warriors in the plain of Troyes

