They find a necropolis with 40 skeletons buried in huge vases in Corsica

A group of archaeologists discovered in France a huge cemetery with 40 skeleton tombs dating from the 3rd to the 6th century. In the necropolis – “city ​​of the dead ”- corpses were found in amphorae or large jars.

The discovery was the Corsica island, where Napoleon Bonaparte was born, a territory that came under the control of many civilizations in the first half of the first millennium. While the artifacts found in the excavations appear to be of Roman origin, experts warn that could have been reused by Visigoths or later inhabitants.

Specifically, the discovery took place in Ile-Rousse, a town on the west coast of Corsica. A quiet fishing village, the place is emerging as a tourist attraction: it dates back to the middle of the 18th century and excavations provide more details on the ancient inhabitants of the area.

It has been occupied for at least 6,000 years and “archaeological evidence of previous occupations was scarce and fragmentary,” the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) said in a statement.

A dozen graves were first discovered in spring 2019But excavations in February and March this year uncovered dozens more, with “great diversity in their architectural style,” the institute said.

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Researchers have discovered amphorae, which were often used to import olive oil, wine, and other products, across the Mediterranean from Carthage, now known as Tunis, between the 4th and 7th centuries. Large containers have a second purpose, the institute said, as “receptacles for the deceased.”

As usual, amphorae were only used for burying childrenBut the researchers found that the adults were also buried. In total, the remains of 40 individuals were discovered, buried between the 3rd and the 6th century.

The necropolis was discovered just behind the parish church of Ile-Rousse, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, during archaeological studies carried out in anticipation of a construction site.

Some of the tombs were covered with terracotta materials which were generally used as tiles in ancient Roman architecture, but additional analysis will be required to learn more about the identity of the deceased.

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According to INRAP, the Romans occupied Île-Rousse, then known as Agilla, during the period in which the ships were dated, but may have been reused by later settlers after the departure of the Romans.

The first half of the first millennium was a time of great instability for Corsica, representing a small but strategic outpost for anyone attempting to control the Mediterranean sea lanes.

The island was under Carthaginian rule until 240 BC. C., when they were supplanted by the Romans. In 410 AD it passed to the Visigoths, which they renamed Agilla as Rubico Rocega.

It was then controlled by the Vandals and Ostrogoths, before becoming part of the Byzantine Empire in 536 AD.