Roman Necropolis of "Regular Folk" Found in France

A magnificent Roman necropolis has been unearthed at Narbonne, in Occitaine, southwestern France. Archaeologists from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) have reported on their excavations of the necropolis that was discovered beneath the gates of Narbonne and state that so far over 300 tombs have been found. The ancient burial ground covers half an acre and was actively used during the 1st and 2nd centuries.

Colonia Narbo Martius was founded in 118 BC on the Via Domitia, the first Roman road in Gaul linking Italy to the Iberian peninsula. As the first Roman colony in Gaul after Massalia (modern-day Marseille) was conquered by Caesar in 49 BC it became the capital of the province of Gallia Transalpina, later renamed “Gallia Narbonensis.” It was known for its prosperity and wealth.