Archaeologists conducting excavations in Marliens, France, have made a remarkable discovery—a horseshoe-shaped monument accompanied by a diverse array of weapons and ornaments spanning multiple historical periods. This finding has piqued great interest due to its uniqueness and the insight it provides into the area’s ancient inhabitants.
The site in Marliens features a large bowtie-shaped structure, with a circular construction at its center measuring 36 feet (11 meters) in diameter. This central circlet is linked to a horseshoe-shaped structure measuring 26 feet (8 meters) in length on one side and a jug-handle-shaped feature on the other, as detailed in a statement from the French National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), which led the excavations.
What makes this discovery particularly intriguing is its unprecedented nature—there are no known sites with similar shaped constructions, adding to its archaeological significance. The diverse range of artifacts found at the site offers valuable insights into the various historical periods during which the site was inhabited.
Among the artifacts uncovered are a bundle containing seven flint arrowheads, two protective armbands worn by archers, a flint lighter, and a copper-alloy dagger. These artifacts suggest occupation during different time periods, with cut flint objects indicating a presence during the Neolithic period, while the weapons are associated with the Bell Beaker culture, which emerged approximately 4,500 years ago.
To further refine the dating of these artifacts, researchers are employing radiocarbon dating techniques, which will provide more precise chronological information about the site’s occupation across different historical eras.
Additionally, the excavation revealed other significant structures, including wells with clay linings believed to be from the Bronze Age, and a necropolis containing burial remains and a funeral pyre. The necropolis, dated to around 1500 to 1300 B.C., yielded artifacts such as copper-alloy pins, an amber-beaded necklace, and pottery shards, shedding light on burial practices and material culture from that period.
Lastly, the excavation uncovered a second necropolis from the Iron Age, featuring urns with cremated remains and a collection of bracelets and rings, offering further insights into burial customs and material culture during this later historical period. Overall, the discoveries at the Marliens site provide a rich tapestry of human activity and cultural evolution spanning millennia.