In 1994-1995 a small cemetery was excavated at Lully, to the east of Lake Neuchâtel, during the construction of the A1 motorway. It must belong to an as yet unidentified villa. The cemetery was in use between the middle of the first century and the second half of the second or the beginning of the third century.
Plan of the cemetery with dates. Castella et al. 2012, Fig. 14.A few inhumations were found, but most of the deceased had been cremated. The fittings of wooden boxes were found. The grave goods consisted mostly of terracotta and glass vessels. Coins were found regularly. Also one silver pendant emerged, a few iron and bronze rings and brooches, an oil lamp, and two terracotta statuettes. Remains of food were also found: meat, vegetables, nuts, peaches and garlic.
Terracotta vessel for perfume in the shape of a wild boar.
Castella et al. 2012, Fig. 44.Glass vessel (balsamarium). H. 0.074.
Castella et al. 2012, Fig. 51.
Top left. Terracotta sitting watchdog wearing a bell
attached to a collar around the neck. H. 0.083.
Bottom left. Silver pendant in the shape of a wheel.
Right. Terracotta female deity, holding a cornucopiae
or a torch and perhaps a lance. H. 0.126.
Castella et al. 2012, Figs. 56, 65 and 66.
Literature
Castella et al. 2012.
[16-Nov-2023]
