In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists in Villedieu-sur-Indre, central France, have unearthed nine graves containing the skeletons of 28 horses, estimated to be around 2,000 years old. The French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) revealed the find, highlighting its significance and mystery.
Key Details of the Discovery
- Location: Villedieu-sur-Indre, central France.
- Date: The horses have been radiocarbon-dated to between 100 BC and 100 AD.
- Number of Graves: Nine graves identified, with two fully excavated.
- Contents:
- Horses: 28 horse skeletons found, including 10 complete skeletons in one pit and two in another. All horses were carefully placed on their right flanks with heads facing south.
- Dogs: One grave contains two medium-sized dogs lying on their left sides with heads facing west.
Hypotheses on the Cause of Death
- Ritual Sacrifice or Battle: The exact cause of death for these horses remains undetermined. However, two main hypotheses are considered:
- Battle: The proximity of the graves to an ancient fortified Celtic settlement (oppidum) suggests a possible connection to the battles of the Gallic Wars (58-50 BC) led by Julius Caesar.
- Ritual Sacrifice: The uniform burial positions and the absence of foals or mares (all skeletons being fully-grown stallions) suggest the possibility of ritual sacrifice.
Archaeological Context
- Celtic Settlement: The graves are located near a fortified Celtic settlement, mirroring locations of similar horse burials found in the region, potentially linking them to historical battles.
- Ritual Significance: If the burials were ritualistic, the number of horses indicates a significant and extensive sacrifice, suggesting complex ceremonial practices.
- Additional Finds: Other discoveries at the site include buildings, pits, ditches, and a road dated to the late 5th and early 6th centuries.
Implications and Future Research
This discovery provides valuable insights into the cultural and historical practices of ancient societies in the region. The precise cause of the horses’ deaths—whether due to battle or ritual sacrifice—remains to be determined, and further excavation and analysis are needed. The find underscores the importance of understanding the socio-cultural contexts of ancient civilizations and their interactions with animals.
The INRAP team continues to investigate the remaining graves, hoping to uncover more information about this significant archaeological site and the practices of the people who lived there 2,000 years ago.