Archaeologists have discovered dozens of ancient skeletons beneath the ground of a school complex in France, all buried in an unusual seated position.
The discovery was announced by France’s National Institute of Preventive Archaeology (Inrap) in a press release in March, generating significant interest in the scientific community.
The skeletons were found at the Josephine Baker school complex in Dijon, approximately 315 kilometers southeast of Paris. The complex serves students from kindergarten through primary school.
The graves date back to the Gallic period of France, when Celtic tribes known as the Gauls inhabited the region. This period spans from the 5th century BC to 50 BC, when Julius Caesar conquered the area.
Excavations and New Findings
Inrap had already identified similar Gallic burials at the same site in 2024. At that time, 13 graves were found, while the most recent excavation uncovered an additional “five to six” new ones, three of which formed a second, parallel row.
Photographs from the site show archaeologists working carefully, uncovering circular pits in which the skeletons were found. According to Inrap, the newly discovered burials were “seated at the bottom of the pit, with their backs against the eastern wall and facing west.”
“Their hands rest along the torso, with the palms near the pelvis or thighs,” the announcement states. “The legs are sharply bent, often asymmetrically.”
The Mystery Surrounding the Burials
Archaeologists found no personal items or grave goods, apart from a black stone bracelet dating to the 3rd century BC. Researchers noted that the previous 2024 burials bore “signs of unhealed violence.”
The injuries, according to Inrap, “most likely indicate intentional killing” and included cuts to the bone of the upper arm. One of the deceased showed two blows from a sharp object, possibly a sword, to the skull.
Authorities described the discovery as significant due to the number of burials and the “good preservation of the skeletons.” As noted, “examples of individuals buried in a seated position are known from the Mesolithic era and, although rare, appear throughout prehistory.”
Possible Interpretations from Archaeologists
To date, approximately twelve archaeological sites have been recorded with a total of 50 seated burials, typically found near elite residences, sanctuaries, or places of worship, outside of ordinary cemeteries. Scientists are examining whether the deceased were warriors, members of prominent families, or individuals connected to religious practices.
Inrap has not yet released further details, while Fox News Digital reported that it requested a comment from the Institute without receiving an immediate response.
A Series of Important Discoveries
This excavation is one more in a series of recent archaeological discoveries in France. Last year, Inrap archaeologists uncovered a 16th-century execution site, where prisoners condemned to death were publicly displayed during the period of the Reformation.
