1.25-Pound Gold Necklace Uncovered on 2,500-Year-Old French Corpse



Courtesy of INRAP 

The corpse and jewelry 

The gold-adorned 2,500-year-old body of a Celtic prince—or princess—has been uncovered in France.

The tomb, which dates from the fifth century B.C., was discovered in Lavau, a village near Troyes by a team from the National Archaeological Research Institute (INRAP). 

The discovery was made in March, but INRAP is now revealing the results of research and dating. The body is believed to be that of an aristocrat from the Hallstatts that occupied central Europe during the early Iron Age. The sex of the corpse has not been determined due to the decomposition of the bones.

The body was wearing a gold necklace that weighed 1.27 pounds, in addition to gold bracelets. Amber beads that are thought to have been part of another necklace or hair piece were also recovered.

In addition to the jewels, the tomb also included a massive bronze cauldron, a wine jug with gold inlay, and a chariot. 

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