Two years after a thief stole several valuable metal artifacts from the Bronze Age archaeological site near the Sioule Gorge (Gannat, France), archaeologists were shocked to discover that the theft had revealed two enormous treasure troves and an entire fortress.
According to a research team led by French archaeologist Pierre-Yves Milcent from the University of Toulouse Jean Jaurès, this settlement is approximately 800 years old and dates back to the late Bronze Age. After the theft in 2017, scientists decided to return in 2019 to study the settlement, where solid ditches had gradually emerged from beneath the ground.
Excavated artifacts – (Photo: University of Toulouse Jean Jaurès).
In 2020, they made an exciting discovery: despite the thief having taken quite a few antiquities, they inadvertently helped the archaeological team get closer to two other storages of metal artifacts, which contained countless jewelry, tools, weapons, and beautiful artifacts.
Scientists restoring artifacts in the lab – (Photo: University of Toulouse Jean Jaurès).
According to Ancient Origins, these are two large, completely intact ceramic jars filled with rings, bracelets, pendants, belts, exquisitely crafted knives, axe heads, sickles, spearheads, and more. Given their age, craftsmanship, and historical significance, it can be said that this is one of the greatest treasures in France.
Excavation site – (Photo: University of Toulouse Jean Jaurès).
The burial of these artifacts was likely performed as a ritual to mark the end of an era, as this was not a burial site or a location used for regular ceremonies. It appears that the owners of the fortress—the center of the settlement, home to a special figure—left after the ritual.
