Nécropole mérovingienne de Civaux, Merovingian cemetery in Civaux, France
The Nécropole mérovingienne de Civaux is an early medieval burial ground containing hundreds of stone sarcophagi arranged in organized rows. The site spreads across a substantial area with defined boundaries and remains an active archaeological location.
This burial ground was used between the 6th and 8th centuries and reveals practices of early medieval populations. The sarcophagi and their organization reflect the spread of Christianity and social structures during the Merovingian era.
The trapezoidal sarcophagi lids display Christian symbols including crosses, tridents, and anchors, along with carved names of the deceased. These details offer insight into the religious beliefs and personal identities of the Merovingian people.
The site is open throughout the year and allows visitors to explore the burial ground at their own pace. An adjacent archaeological museum offers guided tours and additional context to help understand what you are seeing.
The enclosure walls were built from sarcophagus covers positioned vertically like standing stones, a construction dating to the 18th century. This unusual design shows how ancient materials were reused in later periods.
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