A hidden staircase in a French church has led archaeologists to a remarkable discovery—a 400-year-old burial vault. The find, located in the Church of Saint Philibert in Dijon, France, has unearthed human remains, rare coins, and rosary beads, shedding new light on centuries-old burial practices.
Unearthing the Past: A Romanesque Church’s Hidden History
The Church of Saint Philibert, a Romanesque structure dating back to the 12th century, was the site of this extraordinary archaeological discovery. According to the French National Institute for Preventative Archaeological Research (Inrap), the burial vault was found beneath the church’s transept.
The vault itself, believed to be from the 15th or 16th century, was used to bury both adults and children in wooden coffins. Remarkably, the bones of earlier burials had been moved to the sides of the vault to accommodate the newest occupants.
Rare Artifacts and Human Remains Found in the Vault
Among the findings, archaeologists uncovered several sarcophagi, along with rare objects including coins and rosaries. The bodies, mainly adults, were dressed in shrouds and placed in wooden coffins, a testament to burial practices from several centuries ago.
Inrap’s research also revealed that the vault’s foundation extends about 9 feet in depth, with slab tombs dating from the 11th to 13th centuries.
Historical Significance of the Church
Saint Philibert is the only Romanesque church from the 12th century still standing in Dijon, according to The Institutional Repository for the University of Notre Dame. The church, abandoned in 1795 during the French Revolution, was later repurposed.
In the early 19th century, the church underwent significant changes as part of urban development, with the demolition of chapels and the apse to make way for the Rue des Vieilles-Ovens.
A Glimpse Into the Past
This discovery provides invaluable insights into medieval burial practices, offering a tangible connection to the lives of those who lived centuries ago. The rare artifacts, including coins and rosaries, help further understand the religious and cultural context of the time.
This remarkable find highlights the importance of preserving historical sites and the wealth of knowledge that can still be uncovered beneath the surface.
Source: Foxnews
