It is not surprising that a new excavation campaign has brought something to light incredible and unusualso much so that, as reported by experts, at the moment “there are no other known sites with buildings of similar shape”.
In fact, this time archaeologists have found something curious horseshoe-shaped monument and a collection of weapons and ornaments spanning multiple historical periods at a site in France, completely by chance during the expansion of a gravel pit.
An “unprecedented” discovery
Located in Marliens, a municipality in eastern France, the site features a large bowtie-shaped structure, at the center of which is a circular construction measuring 11 meters in diameter. This central circle is interconnected by a structure a horseshoe shape 8 meters long on one side and with a jug handle-shaped element on the other.
The researchers described the discovery as “unprecedented” as there are no other known sites with buildings that resemble it.
Based on the appearance of artifacts found at the site, including a bundle containing seven flint arrowheads, two protective bracelets worn by archers, a flint lighter, and a copper alloy dagger, archaeologists have determined that the site was busy during different periods of time.
For example, cut flint objects found in a nearby ditch probably date back to neolithic periodwhile weapons could be traced back to the culture of bell-shaped vaseemerged approximately 4,500 years ago.
The Mystery of the “Horseshoe Monument”
The excavations were carried out by archaeologists from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), before the expansion of a gravel pit in the Ouche valley, a tributary of the Saone river.
At the center of this discovery stands the enigmatic monument composed of three interconnected enclosures, with a circular enclosure in the center measuring 11 meters in diameter. This horseshoe-shaped monument (with the fence resembling a horseshoe) is unlike any previously encountered and immediately left researchers with many doubts regarding its dating and purpose.
The presence of flint artefacts nearby suggests a possible Neolithic origin, but they are ongoing radiocarbon analysis to determine its precise chronology.
Other constructions found at the site include various wells with clay-lined bottoms which are believed to date back to the Bronze Age, as well as a necropolis with five circular enclosures containing burial remains and a funeral pyre. Based on five copper alloy brooches, a necklace of amber beads and pottery fragments scattered around the area, archaeologists have determined that this part of the site may date back to between1500 and 1300 BC
Finally, archaeologists have unearthed a second Iron Age necropolis containing urns with cremated remains, as well as a collection of bracelets and rings.
No previous historical discovery has highlighted structures with similar characteristics. Archaeologists are therefore asking questions regarding its function and the reasons that determined its particular conformation.
