In recent years, archaeologists in France have uncovered a series of ancient pits that held the remains of more than 20 stallions. These pits, dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries, were found in a valley near Villedieu-sur-Indre in central France. Along with several buildings and ditches, the excavation site also revealed a grouping of nine pits, two of which have been excavated so far. The two pits contained the remains of 28 horses that were carefully placed on their right sides facing south.
Radiocarbon dating has indicated that these horses died sometime between 100 B.C. and A.D. 100. These small horses, standing roughly 3 feet tall, are believed to be Gallic livestock. Furthermore, all the horse skeletons discovered were of adult males. One of the pits also held a pair of medium-sized adult dogs buried facing west. While the cause of death for these animals remains unknown, experts believe they may have been part of a sacrificial ritual.
Further research is needed to fully understand the significance of this discovery, but archaeologists speculate that it could be linked to a Neolithic burial site in Auvergne and other ancient burials from around the same time period. The discovery of another horse burial site at Gondola, which contained eight riders and their horses, suggests a possible connection to the Gallic Wars led by Julius Caesar between 58 and 50 B.C.
This new finding sheds light on ancient rituals and practices in the region during that time period, providing valuable insights into the daily lives and beliefs of those who lived there.
The excavation site was met with great excitement by both locals and researchers alike as they uncovered yet another piece of history hidden beneath layers of earth.
The team behind this discovery hopes that further investigation will reveal more about these ancient people and their way of life.
As we continue to learn from our past, discoveries like this one remind us just how much there is still to uncover about our world’s history and culture.
This find marks an important step towards better understanding our ancestors’ customs and beliefs, helping us appreciate how far we’ve come as a civilization while also reminding us how much work is left to do before we truly know everything there is to know about our past.
