Autun (France) (AFP)
One hundred and fifty tombs dating from the middle of the third to the fifth century, one of which could contain a well-preserved remains, were unearthed in Autun (central east of France) during excavations of an important necropolis in northern Gaul , we learned on Friday from the site organizer.
Preventive research, started before the start of construction of a house, revealed a necropolis which hosted "the Christian burials among the oldest in the northern half of Gaul," said the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap ), in charge of research.
In particular has already been found "one of the first mentions of Christ in Gaul, the inscription of Pektorios, dated from the 4th century", specifies the Institute.
Among the 150 tombs, the eight archaeologists have discovered a 1,500-year-old sandstone sarcophagus "still airtight" and which "could reveal a well-preserved body", told AFP Nicolas Tisserand, co-responsible for the excavations, specifying that this tomb "will be open at the end" of the site scheduled for August.
The other coffins are "mostly" wooden, but have also been revealed lead graves "much rarer" and formwork covered with tiles. Lead coffins are very uncommon in the northern half of France. Autun is one of the most important deposits, with around 40 known copies, including eight from the current excavation.
The research, carried out near one of the oldest early Christian churches in Europe, also revealed the remains of six square stone mausoleums of 10 m2 "containing at least one tomb" and the traces of a "wooden building". Four imposing sandstone sarcophagi were discovered in perfect condition with their covers, lists Mr. Tisserand.
"No object was found because the deceased were buried in the strictest destitution according to the precept of the Christian religion," he adds.
"The research takes place on a 1,300 m² plot located in a vast 3-hectare burial site that has remained intact to the northeast of the ancient Roman city," said archaeologist Carole Fossurier, who heads the site.
Founded in the 1st century BC. JC, the Roman city of Autun has been one of the high places of medieval Christianity since the end of Antiquity.
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