Archaeologists have uncovered a long-hidden staircase during excavations beneath an old building, leading to remarkable findings, including a burial safe untouched for 400 years. This safe, well-preserved and sealed, contained human remains and artifacts that shed light on historical burial practices and societal rituals.
The discoveries, reported in the French journal Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives, emphasized the significance of this vault as a potential final resting place for individuals of higher social standing, indicated by the arrangement of the bodies and accompanying personal items. These findings offer a unique perspective on the customs and memories held in reverence by past societies.
Simultaneously, another excavation beneath the Church of Saint-Filibert in Dijon revealed graves dating back to the 12th century, showcasing the church’s evolving role over centuries. Discoveries included tombs from the 14th to 16th centuries, reflecting shifts in burial customs and social practices from medieval to modern times.
Archaeologists uncovered intricate Meloving-era stone caskets and elements of earlier church structures, highlighting the church’s importance as a center for community and faith for over a millennium. These ongoing excavations reveal the intricate relationships between architecture, burial rituals, and social habits across time, underscoring the value of archaeological research in uncovering hidden histories.
