Wednesday, May 3, 1995

Dig In France Unearths Iron Age Cave, Skeletons

A rare, exceptionally well-preserved example of Iron Age burial practices has been found in a cave in southwestern France - 22 skeletons, some still decked out in their funeral finery. Archaeologists think the cave, composed of two galleries and a well, dates to about 600 B.C. It was discovered by amateur speleologists in February 1994, but the Culture Ministry held off announcing the find until the cave could be sealed from the public. Experts said the discovery was significant because cremation, not burial, was the usual form of disposing of the dead during the Iron Age.

Wednesday, May 3, 1995

Dig In France Unearths Iron Age Cave, Skeletons

A rare, exceptionally well-preserved example of Iron Age burial practices has been found in a cave in southwestern France - 22 skeletons, some still decked out in their funeral finery. Archaeologists think the cave, composed of two galleries and a well, dates to about 600 B.C. It was discovered by amateur speleologists in February 1994, but the Culture Ministry held off announcing the find until the cave could be sealed from the public. Experts said the discovery was significant because cremation, not burial, was the usual form of disposing of the dead during the Iron Age.