Switzerland, important prehistoric necropolis discovered in Canton Valais

Important archaeological discovery in Switzerland: a prehistoricBronze Age necropolis (dated approximately 2000 B.C.) has been discovered in the Canton of Valais, specifically in the municipal area of Savièse, at Mouresses. The necropolis was found as a result of some surveys carried out by the Cantonal Archaeological Office. Other findings from the Early Bronze Age had already been reported in the territory of Canton Valais; this is the first time a necropolis can be studied, testifying to the importance of this find.

Specifically, these are cist graves, which are burials in a folded position inside small boxes made of stone slabs. This discovery resulted in the organization of an additional three-week excavation that will be completed in mid-August. The excavations revealed the presence of at least eighteen graves. The funerary architecture, type of burial, and furnishings (a bronze diadem) found in the first excavated tomb allow the necropolis to be attributed to the early Bronze Age, around 2000 BCE.

Such burial sites are already well known in Canton Valais, but they all date back to the Neolithic period. With the discovery of the Savièse necropolis, this is the first time that such an Early Bronze Age assemblage can be analyzed. Records mention similar discoveries, especially in the 19th century, but these were always incomplete finds. The study of this site shows that the tradition of cist burial lasted until the beginning of the 2nd millennium B.C., before burial in a lying position on the back became established throughout the region.

The first traces of the settlement of a community in the Savièse area were found at the Château de la Soie and date back to 4800 BC. This human presence in this area seems to continue as archaeological evidence dates back to the construction of the fortified site. Some archaeological sites have also been found in Chandolin, Drône, La Muraz, and Sanetsch (rock shelter at 2090 m), and they testify to settlement in the municipal area during the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods. Municipal history and natural resources are brought together in the new book Savièse, published in November 2021.

Switzerland, important prehistoric necropolis discovered in Canton Valais

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.