Burials With Fine Glass Goods Along Roman Road Found in France

Archaeologists from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) recently dug up some ancient artifacts in Nîmes, France.

They found many old objects buried underground on Rue de Beaucaire. These treasures date back to when the Romans were ruling from about the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD.

In the past, Nîmes was called Nemausus and prospered as a Roman colony around the 1st century BC. It is situated where the flat land of the Vistrenque River meets the hills of Mont Duplan to the northeast, Montaury to the southwest, and Mt. Cavalier and Canteduc Knoll to the west.

In old writings, Nîmes is mentioned as dede matrebo Namausikabo, meaning “he has given to the mothers of Nîmes,” and “toutios Namausatis,” meaning “citizen of Nîmes.” Nemausus was the god worshipped by the local Volcae Arecomici tribe.

The city was well-planned, with streets running north to south and east to west, meeting at a central plaza called the forum. One building from that time that stands out is the Maison Carrée, a fancy temple built in the late 1st century BC, according to Archaeology magazine.

Romans prohibited burials within city limits

The recent digs on Rue de Beaucaire uncovered many burial spots, such as locations where people were cremated and then buried as well as spots where people were reburied following cremation. These graves were in special areas, showing that Romans didn’t bury people within their cities.

Unearthing Roman Treasures: The Enchanting Glassware of Nîmes

In the heart of the ancient Roman city of Nîmes, a fascinating discovery has recently been made by INRAP archaeologists. A stunning collection of glassware dating back to the Roman period has been unearthed, offering… pic.twitter.com/i9dZoFn44f

— Orero Creations (@OreroCreations) April 12, 2024

There were about fifteen graves found, mostly with cremated remains, but some had bodies buried whole. One touching find was the burial of a small child with a clay jug and lamp, showing how the Romans honored their dead with special items, as reported by Archaeology.

In antiquity, cremation was a common way to handle funerals. They would burn the bodies on pyres made from rocks or bricks or just in holes dug in the ground. After burning, they would gather the ashes and put them in graves near the pyre or nearby spots. People often buried tools such as grooming tools, pots, ceramics, and lamps with the dead.

Well-preserved Roman artifacts including glass vases

Archaeologists found many well-preserved glass vases. Some of these were used in special feasts called the refrigerium, during which people honored the dead. These feasts, led by female priests, usually involved drinking wine from these glass vases.

They also discovered a well buried under modern buildings. Even though that well is not empty, there’s a chance for more discoveries if they dig deeper into it later on.

The excavation site opened up for everyone on Saturday, April 13th. Archaeologists will be there to guide tours and show people the amazing discoveries found under the streets of Nîmes.