Archaeologists in France have discovered a Roman period cremation tomb richly furnished with silver coins, gold jewelry and a ring with the inscription of what is probably the surname of the deceased.
The tomb was unexpectedly found during excavations at a medieval settlement in Lamonzie-Saint-Martin, a small town in southwestern France. As archaeologists excavated beneath the medieval silos, they noticed an unusual burial, according to a translated report dated Nov. 24. statement of the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP).
In a corner of the burial, archaeologists found a ceramic vase and a transparent glass jar. In another group of offerings, archaeologists recovered 10 silver and bronze coins, along with small sheets of gold that may have decorated a bag or case containing the coins. A number of lozenge-shaped crystals were also discovered, probably remains of a jeweled leather accessory that has since decomposed, as well as a long, corroded iron object that may have been part of a horse bit, which would have been attached to a bridle.
The burial style, pottery and coins suggest that the bustum dates to some time between the 1st and 3rd centuries.
Also recovered from the burial were nearly two dozen gold objects, two of which may contain clues to the tomb’s occupant.
The archaeologists unearthed a probable “bulla”, a special amulet which was given to male children in ancient Rome nine days after birth and which they carried until they reached the age of majority as Roman citizens, around the age of 16. And the remains of a gold ring, deformed by the heat of cremation, seem to match a small piece of rock crystal with an inscription called intaglio. The Greek inscription on the intaglio reads ΑΛΛΑΛΛΗ (Allallé), which may be the surname of the deceased.
The rich and well-preserved cremation tomb has raised a number of questions that archaeologists will attempt to answer through more detailed analysis. They will study surviving human bones to try to determine the sex and age of the deceased at the time of death. They will also excavate the area to look for other tombs or dwellings that may help them understand why this tomb full of artifacts, including one suggesting Greek heritage, was placed in this part of France.
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