RFI reports that archaeological excavations on the Ile-de-Ré island off the Atlantic coast of France have uncovered tombs and artifacts dating back to the 8th century, indicating trade ties with Northern Europe and the Celtic peoples.

“These finds are unique and fascinating because they bring together objects from as far away as Ireland, England, the Netherlands, and Germany. They were buried with bodies in this part of western France at the end of the 8th century,” Annie Bolle, an archaeologist at the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), told RFI in an interview.

Between October and December 2024, the INRAP team discovered around 50 graves inside and outside the chapel. According to written sources in 1156, the chapel belonged to the monastery of Saint Eulalia. Still, it was destroyed in the 16th century during the religious wars between Catholics and Protestants in France.

“Five graves stood out. The position of the bodies and the objects buried with them are “rarely found on the Île-de-Ré or even in western France,” Bolle explained. Two bodies were not arranged in the traditional Christian style; the heads were facing east, toward Jerusalem, rather than south. The lower limbs were sometimes bent rather than straight, as expected. In addition, two other bodies were laid on their sides, and one woman was found lying face down.

“The bodies in these five graves were buried with various objects and ornaments. This custom, common in the 6th and 7th centuries, and the 8th and 9th centuries, the presumed burial period of these five deceased, had already disappeared,” said Bolle.