Ancient ‘seated’skeletons unearthed beneath modern school site, puzzling archaeologists

Archaeologists in France uncovered multiple ancient burials beneath a modern school site, with skeletons arranged in a rare seated position dating back to the Gallic period.(Frédéric Bourigault/AFP via Getty Images)

Inrap first found similar Gallic burials at the site in 2024. 

While excavators found 13 graves two years ago, they discovered “five to six” new ones during the most recent excavation — three of which formed a second, parallel line.

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Pictures of the site show archaeologists working as sections of ground are carefully excavated into circular pits, with skeletons positioned inside.

Inrap said the new graves were “seated at the bottom of the pit, [their] backs against the eastern wall, facing west,” according to a translated release.

“Only about a dozen archaeological sites have yielded around 50 ‘seated’ burials.”

“Their arms rest along the torso, with hands near the pelvis or femurs,” the release described. 

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“Their legs are tightly flexed, often asymmetrically.”

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Adding to the mystery, archaeologists found no personal items orgrave offerings, other than a black stone armband dated to the third century B.C.

The skeletons were found without grave goods, aside from a single black stone armband dated to the third century B.C., deepening the mystery of the site.(Frédéric Bourigault/AFP via Getty Images)

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Archaeologists have released few details about the site, but noted that the graves found in 2024 showed “signs ofunhealed violence.”

The injuries “likely indicate intentional killing,” Inrap said — and included cuts on an upper arm bone.

The skeletons date to the Gallic period, spanning from the fifth century B.C.to 50 B.C., when Julius Caesar conquered the region (shown at left).(Leemage/Corbis via Getty Images;Frédéric Bourigault/AFP via Getty Images)

“Examples of individuals buried in a seated position are known from as early as the Mesolithic and, although rare, throughout prehistory,” the statement said.

“Only about a dozen archaeological sites have yielded around 50 ‘seated’ burials, typically located near elite residences, sanctuaries or places of worship, and set apart from standard cemeteries.”

tied to religious practices.

“Examples of individuals buried in a seated position are known from as early as the Mesolithic and, although rare, throughout prehistory,” said Inrap.(Frédéric Bourigault /AFP via Getty Images)

The latest find is one of many recent notable archaeological discoveries in France.

Last year, Inrap archaeologists uncovered a 16th-centurygallows,in which condemned prisoners were put on display during the Protestant Reformation.

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Last summer, officials announced the discovery of a rare16th-century shipwreckin French waters, found at record depth.