Nécropole mérovingienne du Brigandin

The Nécropole mérovingienne du Brigandin is an early medieval burial ground in Chaumes-en-Retz with hundreds of systematically arranged graves. Excavations uncovered skeletons, jewelry, and everyday items from the 6th and 7th centuries.

The cemetery developed between the 6th and 7th centuries when Merovingian families settled in this region and buried their dead here. It provides researchers with a window into the lives of people who lived in this area over 1400 years ago.

The burials held personal ornaments like fibulas and belt fittings that show the dead held different positions in their community. Such objects reveal how people expressed their social rank through what they wore and owned.

The archaeological finds from this burial site can be seen at the Bourgneuf Museum, where they are displayed for the public to explore. This is the best way to learn about the history of the place and see the objects from that era up close.

The skeletons found here show that people lived to surprisingly old ages, which was unusual for a medieval population. This suggests living conditions in this region were better than in many other communities of that time.