Archaeologists uncover ancient burial vault in Dijon church

In Fitjar, Norway, archaeologists recently excavated Viking graves that date back to the early 9th century, specifically between 800 and 850 A.D. Led by Søren Diinhoff from the University Museum of Bergen, the team discovered two significant graves belonging to wealthy women. The first grave revealed fragments of jewelry, including gilded oval brooches and a unique metal cauldron with intricate designs. Notably, a book clasp believed to have once formed part of a Bible from England or Ireland was also uncovered, hinting at the intersection of Viking and Christian influences during this period. The second grave contained even more valuable artifacts, indicating high status and skills in textile production, with tools and jewelry that suggest the buried woman led textile activities on a farm. Among the findings was a bronze key symbolizing her central role and a frying pan, which articulates the domestic aspects of her life. Coins minted in Jutland and Frankish coins under Louis the Pious add historical context to the residual wealth of the grave's inhabitant. Diinhoff noted that while the first grave had been partially looted in the past, it still contained fascinating remnants of the era. In total, the excavations examined three graves at the site, with hopes to continue exploring the remaining 20 graves present. The discovery was made possible thanks to metal detectorists who brought attention to the site, preventing it from being lost over time due to its shallow burial. In a different archaeological endeavor in France, a hidden staircase was found in the Church of Saint Philibert in Dijon, leading to the unearthing of a 400-year-old burial vault. This church, with its Romanesque architecture dating back to the 12th century, was the site of significant historical discoveries, though its burial vault primarily contained bones and a limited number of artifacts, such as rare coins and rosaries. These finds underscore the diversity and richness of archaeological research across Europe, revealing how past civilizations lived, their beliefs, and their social structures.