2,300-Year-Old Sword with Swastika Engravings Discovered in French Necropolis

Fast Summary

• Two 2,300-year-old swords were discovered in a Celtic Iron Age necropolis at Creuzier-le-Neuf, France, by the French National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP).
• One sword features an ornate copper-alloy scabbard adorned with polished gems adn swastika designs; the other is longer and functional but less decorative.
• Swastikas on these items predate their Nazi association and were commonly used for symbolic or ornamental purposes in ancient European cultures.
• X-ray analysis of the shorter sword indicates celestial symbolism, including sun and crescent moon designs widely associated with sacred concepts during that time.
• The burial site spans 7,000 square feet with over 100 graves. Acidity in the soil prevented skeleton preservation; however, metal artifacts such as jewellery and brooches were found alongside cremation remains.
• The necropolis was situated at a crossroads of territorial tribes: Arverni, Aedui, and Bituriges during the Second Iron Age (450-52 BC).

Indian Opinion Analysis

The discovery highlights how motifs like swastikas have evolved across civilizations.For India specifically,it underscores how symbols carry diverse historical meanings-such as auspiciousness for Hindus-yet gain contrasting associations due to modern events. It sheds light on shared cosmological symbolism among ancient cultures like Celts or etruscans that parallels similar imagery in Indian history.These findings could enhance cross-cultural archaeological studies between Europe and South Asia.

Moreover, studying artifacts from contested tribal areas offers insights into resource distribution along territorial boundaries-a theme resonant with India’s own complex political landscape throughout its history. As preserved swords often denote status markers or power rather than functionality-a concept evident globally-it allows reflection on how material culture shaped hierarchies across societies.Read More: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/2-300-year-old-sword-with-swastikas-unearthed-at-necropolis-in-france