Extensive Roman Necropolis Unearthed in Olbia, Revealing Ancient Burial Rites

During routine archaeological surveys associated with the reconstruction of the RD559 road in the commune of Hyères, located in the Var department of France, a substantial Roman necropolis has come to light. These essential investigations were conducted by the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) in collaboration with the archaeological services of the Var department. This significant discovery promises to yield crucial insights into the funerary customs prevalent during the Roman era across Southern Gaul.

The site under examination revealed more than 160 cremation structures spread across an area measuring approximately 800 square meters. Every burial documented on the premises exclusively utilized cremation. This involved placing the deceased on a wooden platform situated above a pit, followed by the incineration process. The intense heat generated caused the bones to deform and char, while bronze artifacts melted and ceramic and glass vessels became scorched. These physical remnants now afford archaeologists a rare opportunity to reconstruct the precise sequence of actions involved in the cremation ritual and observe tangible evidence of these ancient practices.

A distinctive feature of the Olbia necropolis involves the presence of libation channels, fashioned from repurposed amphorae, which protruded above the graves. Through these conduits, surviving relatives could pour ritualistic offerings of wine, honey, or incense. This act was intended to symbolically 'feed' the deceased during commemorative days such as the Feralia or Lemuria. Following the cremation, some pyres were repurposed as the final resting place, while in other instances, the residual bone fragments were carefully collected and placed into small containers or simply gathered into piles.

Archaeologists are quick to point out that these findings offer only a partial glimpse into the social stratification of the population at that time. It remains impossible, at this juncture, to definitively ascertain which social strata had access to these specific cremation rituals, or precisely who was interred within this necropolis. Specifically, there is currently no confirmed evidence of burials belonging to enslaved individuals, leaving questions regarding the integration or segregation of social classes open to ongoing scientific hypotheses.

The necropolis is strategically situated near the ancient Greek colony of Olbia, which was established by the Massaliotes in the 4th century BCE before later being integrated into the Roman colony of Arles. This geographical context strongly suggests that the area functioned as a vital component of the contemporary port and commercial hub. Furthermore, the consistent nature of the rituals observed indicates the presence of well-established, enduring cultural traditions.

The research underscores that ancient funerary rites were remarkably diverse and imbued with complex symbolic meaning. For example, the discovery of ceramic vessels and unguent flasks—some charred, others relatively preserved—alongside the elaborate system of libation channels, clearly testifies to the richness of ritualistic engagement and the profound desire to honor the departed.

This important discovery was formally presented to the public during the European Heritage Days event in September 2025, offering visitors a chance to tour the necropolis and examine the artifacts firsthand. Once the archaeological work is complete, the planned infrastructure project—which includes installing drainage systems, fiber optic cables, and street lighting for the RD559 road upgrade—is set to resume.

In conclusion, the unearthing of the Olbia necropolis not only broadens our understanding of Roman cremation traditions within Gaul but also highlights the critical role of preventive archaeology when executing modern infrastructure developments. These archaeological data provide invaluable perspectives on how ritual, ancestral memory, and social structures intersected in antiquity, leaving several intriguing questions open for future scholarly investigation and debate.