'Exceptional tomb of Celtic prince' found in France

An "exceptional" tomb from the 5th Century BC likely to be that of a Celtic prince has been unearthed on the outskirts of Lavau in France's Champagne region.

Handle of a bronze cauldron representating the Greek God Achelous
[Credit: © Denis Gliksman/Inrap]

The grave containing Greek and possibly Etruscan artefacts was discovered in a business zone, the National Archaeological Research Institute (Inrap) said.

Researchers believe it could shed light on Iron Age European trade. Finds include a bronze wine cauldron.

Aerial view of a large moat surrounding a tumulus dated to the beginning
of the 5th century BC [Credit: © Denis Gliksman/Inrap]

A team from Inrap has been excavating the site since October last year, and have dated it to the end of the First Iron Age - a period characterised by the widespread use of the metal.

The burial mound, 40m (130ft) across, has at its heart a 14 sq m (150 sq ft) burial chamber. The deceased and his chariot are in the burial chamber.

Decorated Greek wine jug found inside the bronze cauldron
[Credit: © Denis Gliksman/Inrap]

"It is probably a local Celtic prince," Inrap president Dominique Garcia told journalists on a site visit.

Inrap said it is one of the largest recorded burial chambers for this period and is "exceptional" not only because of its size but also for the quality of the material unearthed.

The burial chamber is one of the largest recorded for this period
[Credit: © Denis Gliksman/Inrap]

The 5th and 6th Century BC were characterised by the rise of Etruscan and Greek city states like Marseille in southern France.

Mediterranean merchants, seeking slaves, metals and other precious goods, opened trading channels with continental Celts.

Source: BBC News Website [March 05, 2015]