In Marliens, a commune in eastern France, archaeologists have made an intriguing discovery. The site, which dates back to various historical periods, features a horseshoe-shaped monument and a variety of weapons and ornaments.
One of the most striking features of the site is a large bowtie-shaped structure with a circular construction in the middle, measuring 36 feet in diameter. This central circlet is connected to a horseshoe-shaped structure on one side and a jug-handle-shaped feature on the other side.
Researchers found that this site is unique as there are no other known sites with similar constructions. Among the artifacts discovered were flint arrowheads, armbands worn by archers, a flint lighter, and a copper-alloy dagger. These artifacts indicate that the site was occupied during various historical periods, with objects dating back to the Neolithic period and the emergence of the Bell Beaker culture around 4,500 years ago.
Further excavations at the site revealed more interesting features such as wells with clay lining from the Bronze Age and a necropolis with circular enclosures containing burial remains and funeral pyres dating back to 1500-1300 B.C. Additionally, researchers discovered another Iron Age necropolis containing urns with cremated remains and a collection of bracelets and rings.
The team is currently conducting radiocarbon dating on all artifacts discovered to determine their exact ages.