The 2,000-year-old remains of a child from a good family and their dog were discovered by archaeologists in France.
The child, estimated to be one year old, was found in Aulnat, in the Auvergne region of central France, by a team that carried out research for the planned expansion of the airport.
The remains date from the first century AD, when France was under Roman rule.
They were accompanied by numerous objects – including clay jars, animal parts and a small toy – as well as a puppy wearing a decorative collar.
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The 2,000-year-old remains of an infant, estimated to be about a year old, were found in Aulnat, in the Auvergne region of central France. The body was surrounded by a lot of offerings and animal objects, suggesting that they were of high social quality.
“Such an abundance of crockery and slaughtered objects, as well as the personal effects that followed the child to his grave, emphasize the privileged rank to which his family belonged,” according to the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP).
This tomb site was discovered in December as part of the preventive excavations carried out by INRAP before construction at Clermont-Ferrand airport.
Evidence of a wooden coffin was found in the grave, surrounded by animal sacrifices, including half a pig, various pieces of pork and two headless chickens.
Twenty terracotta vases and assorted glass vessels from the tomb could have contained medicine, cosmetics or the child’s portion of the funeral banquet, while researchers believe a one-leg-long iron circle attached to a bent metal rod was a toy or part of a game.
Archaeologists discovered burial site as they watched the area for a planned expansion at Clermont-Ferrand Airport
Half a pig, various pieces of pork and two headless chickens were found buried with the body. The skeleton of a dog with a decorated collar was located at what would have been the foot of the child’s coffin.
A baby tooth belonging to an older child, possibly belonging to an older brother, was also found.
The skeleton of a puppy was found at what was supposed to be the base of the coffin, wearing a collar with bronze decorations and a small bell.
A map showing the location of the remains. Since November, archaeological excavations near Clermont-Ferrand Airport have uncovered objects from the Iron Age, the High Middle Ages and other eras.
“The association of a dog with a small child is well documented in a funerary context, but here the collar and the bell are unusual,” according to archaeologists.
They call the discovery “exceptional” and believe it is the oldest burial place of the child discovered in France.
It dates from the time of Emperor Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD) or Tiberius (14-37 AD), just a few decades after the birth of Jesus.
In Roman Gaul – modern France, Belgium and parts of western Germany – adults were cremated, but children were often buried on family lands.
Chief archaeologist Laurence Lautier said the large number of offerings buried with the child is unusual.
About twenty terracotta vases were found, as well as glass jars. It is believed that they contained cosmetics, medicines or the portion of the deceased from the funeral
The child is said to have lived during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD) or Tiberius (14-37 AD), just a few decades after the birth of Jesus.
In Roman Gaul – modern France, Belgium and parts of western Germany – adults were cremated, but children were often buried on family estates.
“In this type of grave we often find one or two pots placed at the foot,” Lautier told AFP. “There are about 20 here, as well as many food offerings.”
This denotes a high social class, Lautier said, “a family that was clearly very rich.”
Since November, surveys in the area have shown articles from the Iron Age, the High Middle Ages and other eras.
The excavations are expected to end next month.