Archaeologists discover 'extraordinary' tomb of ancient Celtic prince
![A find from the site](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SDDVNArGA3WLP6AiVGP5R-415-80.jpg)
Archaeologists in France have uncovered the tomb of a Celtic prince from the Early Iron Age, also known as the Hallstatt era.
The team believes the prince lived 2,500 years ago, and his burial site is one of the largest ever found from the fifth century B.C.E. And the most incredible part is that it was found under a traffic roundabout.
Archaeologists from France's National Archaeological Research Institute (Inrap) have been working at the Troyes site since October. The tomb contained Greek and Etruscan artifacts, including a chariot, a cauldron decorated with Greek gods, and an amphora with images of Dionysus. The value of the corpse's burial items are what led the team to believe he was an aristocrat and likely a prince.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Even in the rich Greek tombs you don't find such objects," Dominique Garcia, the head of Inrap, told The Telegraph. "These objects were like diplomatic gifts."
In a statement, the researchers explained that Celtic communities would have acquired Greek and Etruscan items through trade with Mediterranean cultures. The archaeologists described the find as an "extraordinary" discovery, The International Business Times reports.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
-
Hamas and Fatah sign unity agreement in Beijing
Speed Read China brokered a reconciliation deal between the rival Palestinian factions
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
The Earth just saw its hottest day on record
Speed Read July 21, 2024 was the hottest day in recorded global history
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Bob Menendez to resign after corruption conviction
Speed Read The New Jersey senator submitted to resignation pressure following charges of federal bribery and corruption
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Puffed rice and yoga: inside the collapsed tunnel where Indian workers await rescue
Speed Read Workers trapped in collapsed tunnel are suffering from dysentery and anxiety over their rescue
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
More than 2,000 dead following massive earthquake in Morocco
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mexico's next president will almost certainly be its 1st female president
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
North Korea's Kim to visit Putin in eastern Russia to discuss arms sales for Ukraine war, U.S. says
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Gabon's military leader sworn in following coup in latest African uprising
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published