Secrets in Brittany's Coëby Cemetery: Human-Shaped Stones Uncovered

Topic: Earth Science

Scientists from France used electrical surveys to scan two large burial mounds. They found evidence of human-shaped stones buried deep within the mounds, similar to those found in other ancient tombs.

For archaeologists, the Coëby cemetery in Brittany, France is a treasure trove of prehistoric secrets. Two unusually large earth mounds, TRED30 and TRED31, have been studied using electrical resistivity mapping. This non-invasive technique involves inserting small metal stakes into the ground to pass an electrical current through the earth.

The scientists from the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) surveyed the two mounds in 2020. They found resistance spikes in the centers of both mounds, which matched the profile of granite blocks previously measured at nearby dolmens. The researchers believe that these resistant anomalies indicate the presence of stone clusters within the mounds.

In TRED30, the spikes became stronger when scanning deeper, indicating that substantial stone structures are buried deep within the core of the monument. In TRED31, the results showed evidence of buried stone structures close to the surface. Years of erosion had exposed the tip of one stone block, which had previously gone unnoticed.

While the scans cannot reveal the exact layout of these buried features or what their purpose may have been, the researchers have some ideas. They believe that the large structures may be rough, human-shaped standing stones, similar to those found in other ancient tombs in France.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it sheds light on the lives and burial practices of our ancestors. It also highlights the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.

Key Facts

• Two large earth mounds, TRED30 and TRED31, were studied using electrical resistivity mapping in Brittany, France.
• The surveys found evidence of human-shaped stones buried deep within the mounds.
• The researchers believe that the stones are similar to those found in other ancient tombs in France.
• The study was conducted by scientists from the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in 2020.
• The discovery is significant because it sheds light on the lives and burial practices of our ancestors.

Key Terms

Electrical resistivity mapping

A non-invasive technique that uses electrical currents to map what's hidden beneath the surface.

Dolmens

Ancient megalithic tombs made of stone blocks.

Granite blocks

Large stones made of a hard, granular rock material.

Implications

This discovery is important because it sheds light on the lives and burial practices of our ancestors. It also highlights the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.