2 weeks Ago By Millie Turner
AN ANCIENT sword engraved with swastikas and forged long before Jesus walked the Earth has been discovered in a Celtic Iron Age necropolis. Uncovered intact in France after 2,300 years, the sword was found alongside one another, both still inside their scabbards. 9 The sword adorned with swastikas has an ornate, copper-alloy scabbard designed to be worn at the waist Credit: Flore Giraud, INRAP 9 Its edges are decorated with several polished gems, with at least two gems having swastika designs engraved Credit: Flore Giraud, INRAP 9 The long-lost weapons have "have few equivalents in Europe," according to archaeologists Credit: Vincent Georges, INRAP 9 Small shreds of fabric were found alongside the second sword, which archaeologists believe could have come from the solder's clothes, a shroud or a case Credit: Flore Giraud, INRAP The sword adorned with swastikas has an ornate, copper-alloy scabbard designed to be worn at the waist.
The blade is covered with decorative engravings. X-rays also revealed a circle and a crescent moon inlay on the top of the blade. Its edges are decorated with several polished gems, with at least two gems having swastika designs engraved, according to the French National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP).
READ MORE ON ARCHAEOLOGY GATES OF HELL Mysterious giant pink DOOR ‘to the underworld’ found in 4,400 year old tomb COULD IT BE? Is THIS Alexander the Great’s robe? 'Royal tunic' found in tomb after 2,300yrs Swastikas are infamously tied to the Nazi regime and the atrocities of World War II. Today, the symbol is largely seen as a one of hate and intolerance, and is banned in many European countries, including Germany. Yet the motif had vastly different connotations in ancient times - and has been found all over the world.
It used to be a mark of good fortune, luck, health and prosperity - which explains why soldiers might want the symbol at their side. Most read in Science NICE BIT OF KIT Celtic announce bumper new kit deal which is 'biggest in club's history' BACK IN THE MIXU Paatelainen makes shock return to Scottish football as he lands new role CHRIS SCARE Eubank Jr 'touch and go' after Benn win and almost DIED in hospital, says dad TOUGH GUY I've known new Gers chief Steinsson for 15 years, he's already shaping revival 9 A mosaic with swastikas inside the Church of the Apostles, Jordan Credit: Alamy Swastikas were widely used across the Mediterranean, but were picked up by the Celts in mainland Europe towards the end of the fifth century and part of the fourth century BC, according to Vincent Georges, an archaeologist associated with INRAP. Although Georges told Live Science that he is unsure of what the swastika meant to the Celts.
Danish archaeologists unearth 50 Viking skeletons A team of archaeologists, including Georges, found the two swords among a treasure trove of ancient artefacts in 2022 in the small French town of at Creuzier-le-Neuf. The second sword was accompanied by suspension rings which allowed it to also be worn at the waist. Small shreds of fabric were found alongside it, which archaeologists believe could have come from the soldier's clothes, a shroud or a case.
The long-lost weapons "have few equivalents in Europe," Live Science reported, citing INRAP. The sleepy town of just 1,500 people was once at the crossroads of territorial occupation by the Celtic Arverni, Aedui and Bituriges tribes during the Second Iron Age between 450 and 52 BC. The bounty included metal ornaments like jewellery, copper-alloy bracelets, and over a dozen damaged brooches.
Read more on the Scottish Sun TOUCHING MOMENT Moment Kate has sweet encounter with kids on trip to stunning Scots island GREAT SCOT Little-known Scottish tourist attraction in running to be crowned best in UK Each item was excavated from a roughly 7,000-square-foot burial area with over 100 graves. But the region's acidic soil meant no skeletal remains were found - only a single cremation burial alongside a funerary vase. 9 The funerary vase discovered in the cremation grave Credit: Flore Giraud, INRAP 9 The bounty included metal ornaments like jewellery, copper-alloy bracelets, and over a dozen damaged brooches Credit: Flore Giraud, INRAP 9 Some bracelets were still intact after 2,300 years Credit: Flore Giraud, INRAP 9 Each item was excavated from a roughly 7,000-square-foot burial area with over 100 graves Credit: Sébastien Dohr, DAO Benjamin Oury, Inrap.
