# INRAP archaeologists find 260 Gallo-Roman infant burials in Auxerre, dated to the II–III centuries AD

- Published: 2026-11-08 09:10 UTC
- Section: Science › Research
- Tags: Gallo-Roman necropolis, Auxerre excavation, INRAP discovery, infant burials, Roman funerary rites, preventive archaeology, II–III centuries AD
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-d1e84a929270a15249821386_inrap_archaeologists_find/

**Excavations ahead of the redevelopment of Place du Maréchal Leclerc revealed a necropolis of mostly fetuses and infants; chemical analyses point to a complex burial rite.**

![INRAP archaeologists find 260 Gallo-Roman infant burials in Auxerre, dated to the II–III centuries AD](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/4b200a86550e5714.jpg)
*Mykola Makarenko, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain*

Archaeologists of the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) have discovered a necropolis dating to the II and III centuries AD in Auxerre, according to Valeurs actuelles. The excavation took place before the urban redevelopment of Place du Maréchal Leclerc, as required by law. The Gallo-Roman site lies on the grounds of a villa, and the find comprises 260 burials. [1]

## Who was buried in the necropolis

The necropolis consists mostly of very young children: fetuses of a few weeks, babies who died before or after birth, and infants who died in the following months. According to the experts, the oldest child was between 6 months and a year and a half old. Only three adult bodies were found near the cemetery. [1]

The publication describes the find as unique in the history of archaeology. [1]

## Burial rites and chemical analyses

Most of the infants were washed and swaddled, then placed between two canal tiles that surround the child. Chemical analyses also showed that the bodies had been covered with creams and fragrant oils. Residues of flowers were found next to the stillborn children. [1]

According to INRAP, up to eight stages were observed in the burial of these very young children, which the institute presents as evidence of the complexity of the funerary gestures. On its website, INRAP states that some graves, on the contrary, show notable attention. [1]

The publication says the find contradicts some theories about how life was conceived in Roman antiquity. Infant mortality was common among the Romans, but the death of a newborn, like that of an adult, remained a tragedy for them. This is reflected in the funerary practices and in the very good state of preservation of the skeletons. [1]

## Sources

1. [Valeurs actuelles](https://www.valeursactuelles.com/histoire/260-sepultures-gallo-romaines-de-bebes-decouvertes-a-auxerre-letonnant-respect-de-nos-ancetres-pour-les-mort-nes)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-d1e84a929270a15249821386_inrap_archaeologists_find/