A significant Merovingian necropolis, featuring 59 sarcophagi dating from the 5th to 7th centuries AD, has been unearthed in the heart of Bordeaux, France, near the Sainte-Croix church [3]. The discovery occurred during urban redevelopment work and offers valuable insights into early medieval life and funerary practices [3].
Archaeologists presented the find on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 [3]. The excavation site, located in the historic city center, has revealed nearly a hundred funerary structures, including the sarcophagi and remarkably well-preserved stone walls from the medieval abbey's former cloister [3]. The necropolis developed from the Merovingian era through the Middle Ages, eventually becoming enclosed within a parish cemetery by the 18th century [3].
Laurent Guyard, head of the archaeological service for Bordeaux, noted that the Sainte-Croix church was founded in the Merovingian era [3]. The public can view the visible remains every Wednesday until the end of May before further construction begins [3]. Excavations will continue in the area until the summer of 2026 [3]. This find enriches Bordeaux's cultural heritage, providing a rare glimpse into the Merovingian period [3].