Mysterious Discovery of 28 Buried Horses Leaves Archaeologists Puzzled

Researchers at an archaeological dig in Villedieu-sur-Indre, Central France, have made a puzzling discovery of 28 dead horses buried in carefully organized pits. The excavation, conducted by the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research, also revealed buildings, ditches, and a pathway from the early Middle Ages.

The horses, which lived between 100 BC and 100 AD, were found in nine pits, with two pits having been fully excavated so far. In one of the pits, the horses were all lying on their right sides, facing the south. They were meticulously placed in two rows and on two levels, and it appears that they were buried swiftly after their deaths. All the horses were small males, over four years old, and likely of Gallic origin.

The second pit contained only two horses, but they were laid to rest in the same manner as the others. Additionally, two adult dogs were found in another pit, arranged with the same care. The significance of these canine inclusions remains unknown.

Experts have ruled out illnesses as the cause of death, as no young or female horses were found among the remains. This leaves two possibilities: the horses may have perished in battle and received an honorable burial, or they may have been sacrificed. Similar findings have been made in other Gallic battle sites in France, where horses and riders were buried together in pits.

The proximity of the excavation site to known battlefields suggests that these horses may have met their demise in combat. However, the uniformity and precision of the burial sites raise questions as to the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The news release notes that the death of 28 horses would have been a significant loss for a herd.

The researchers are now focusing on studying the remaining pits and structures at the site to uncover more clues about the horses' fate and the purpose of the site. By unraveling the mystery of these ancient equine burials, archaeologists hope to shed light on the customs and practices of the early Middle Ages in France.

As the investigation continues, it is clear that this discovery offers a unique glimpse into a forgotten chapter of history, providing valuable insights into the lives of both horses and humans during this time period.