Why weren’t any skeletons preserved? The soil holds the answer.
Archaeologists have uncovered a large Iron Age necropolis, rich in swords, jewelry, and other artifacts that reveal the burial customs and social hierarchies of the time — despite the complete absence of human remains.
The discovery was made at the archaeological site of Creuzier-le-Neuf, in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, by a team from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap).
A Burial Ground Without Bones
One of the tombs contained a sword (Photo: V. Georges / Inrap).
Spanning approximately 650 square meters, the burial site is enclosed by a wide, square-shaped ditch. Inside, archaeologists documented more than 100 graves, most aligned along a north-south axis. While the acidic soil has completely destroyed all skeletal remains, the site still offers a wealth of information thanks to the exceptional preservation of metal grave goods and ceremonial objects.
The layout and structure of the necropolis mirror similar Iron Age burial grounds found in Champagne, the Paris Basin, and Burgundy, suggesting shared cultural practices and social structures among Gallic communities prior to the Roman conquest.
Objects of Power and Prestige
Although human remains are absent, the funerary objects found — ranging from weapons to finely crafted jewelry — provide insights into the status and roles of those buried.
One standout grave contained a cremation burial, distinguishable by its ritual practices and elaborate offerings. Among the ashes, archaeologists found a small, intricately decorated vessel, adorned with perforated patterns alternating with painted bands — a sign of the community’s ritualistic sophistication and the diversity of funerary customs practiced at the site.
Nearly half the graves contained decorative metal items, highlighting the importance of status symbols in Iron Age burial rites. Bracelets made of bronze alloy were found in abundance — some simple and spiral-shaped, others finely crafted with concentric circles, “eye” motifs, and concealed fastenings that speak to the artisan’s high skill level.
One grave yielded a perfectly preserved pair of bracelets decorated with classic Celtic designs — repeating curved lines and concentric eye-shaped marks.
Brooches and Jewelry Set With Gemstones
Archaeologists also recovered 18 brooches and pins, once used to fasten garments. Though heavily corroded at the time of discovery, careful restoration at the CREAM lab in Vienna brought them back to life. One brooch features a design similar to that on the bracelets, indicating stylistic continuity.
Another piece stands out for its luxurious craftsmanship — a brooch set with a gemstone resembling a polished pebble, and decorated with a repoussé silver disk in low relief. Based on its features, this brooch dates to between the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BCE.
The Swords: Symbols of Warrior Elites
Short sword, fully decorated, with an antenna hilt, found in burial 782. (Source: Flore Giraud / Inrap).
The most spectacular finds, however, are two fully preserved swords, still encased in their scabbards. The first, found in Grave 782, is a remarkable weapon. Its scabbard is richly adorned with spiral patterns and eye motifs, and was designed to be worn at the side. The handle and front plate, made from bronze alloy, feature embedded stones and decorations — including swastika-like motifs and possibly fragments of glass paste.
X-ray analysis revealed additional symbols on the blade tip — a circle and a crescent moon, separated by fine details — suggesting the sword was crafted in the early 4th century BCE.
The second sword, found in Grave 990, features straps designed for close-body wear. While less elaborate, with only a pair of eye motifs at the top of the scabbard, it preserves traces of textile fibers fused to the oxidized metal — possibly remains of the deceased’s clothing or a burial shroud. Its shape and construction also place it firmly in the 4th century BCE.
The excavation was conducted under the scientific direction of Benjamin Oury and Vincent Georges of Inrap, as part of a broader archaeological initiative led by Vichy Communauté and overseen by the regional archaeological authority.
