Insights

A recent discovery in a southern suburb of Paris has revealed dozens of medieval skeletons and ten sarcophagi during a basement renovation. Archaeologists believe these remains could provide valuable insights into the population that inhabited the region from late Antiquity to the early Middle Ages, specifically between the 3rd and 10th centuries AD. The cemetery's existence was previously known, but this excavation suggests it may be older than initially thought, with burials dating back over 1,500 years. The burial practices observed indicate a transition in funerary customs, with bodies being interred in plaster sarcophagi, a common practice in Île-de-France. Notably, the sarcophagi found were unadorned, differing from typical later medieval tombs, and were arranged in a fan-like pattern. One sarcophagus featured a carved stone block with motifs reminiscent of Christian funerary art. The archaeological team plans to analyze the skeletons to gather information on the deceased's sex, age, and living conditions, which could enhance understanding of the region's historical population and the evolution of burial traditions over time.