Ancient tombs uncovered in Corsica

An ancient necropolis with 40 tombs, including cylindrical jars filled with human remains, has been discovered on the French island of Corsica. The people buried in the cemetery range from infants to adults, archaeologists said. Located in the town of L’Île-Rousse on the island’s northern coast, the cemetery seems to have been used between the third and fifth centuries CE, a time in which the Roman Empire was gradually declining.

Many of the deceased were found buried inside amphoras, large vessels that would normally be used to carry goods such as olive oil, wine, or pickles. The design of the amphoras indicates that they are from North Africa, with some possibly being manufactured in Carthage.

Even so, the people buried in the necropolis, including those inside the amphoras, likely lived near the necropolis in Corsica. Archaeologists also found that some of the burials were covered with terracotta tiles that the Romans called ‘tegulae’ and ‘imbrices’. The Romans often used such tiles to cover the roofs of buildings, and at times to cover burials.

The necropolis is located at the foot of the Immaculate Conception church, constructed in 1893. Other burials found on the island, such as those at the sites of Mariana and Sant’Amanza, have been linked to buildings of worship. More research needs to be done to determine what ancient towns or cities were located near this necropolis.

OWEN JARUS