A cow falls into a strange hole three meters deep, where 2,000-year-old ceramic pieces are discovered

On June 7, Adeline Yon-Berthelot, a cattle rancher in Limousin, was conducting a routine count of her herd in Trebri when she noticed one of her cows missing. Little did she know that this ordinary day would turn into an extraordinary archaeological adventure.

After extensive research, Yon-Berthelot found a strange hole in the ground about one meter in diameter. To her dismay, she found a cow missing at the bottom of this A hole three meters deep. Unfortunately, the fall was fatal to the animal.

But this tragic incident opened a window to the past. The unusual nature of the crater prompted Yon Berthelot to reach out to a local history enthusiast. This decision set in motion a chain of events that would reveal the true significance of this accidental discovery.

Ancient artifacts discovered

After the initial discovery, the Archaeological Center in Rennes was immediately notified. A team of five archaeologists quickly arrived at the site to investigate the mysterious crater. Their examination yielded surprising results:

• Pottery shards
• Photographic evidence
• Accurate hole measurements

Jadea Cabanillas de la Torre, curator of heritage supervising the Côte d’Armor region in the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAAC), provided a preliminary assessment. According to her, these effects could be possible “It dates back to between 550 and 150 BC.”. This estimate, although tentative, indicates that the pit and its contents may provide valuable information about the ancient past of the region.

The discovery of these ancient artifacts reminds us of the potential impact of cosmic debris on Earth’s history. Just as asteroid fragments played a role in sparking life on our planet, these ceramic pieces provide a tangible link to our ancestors two millennia ago.

The importance of chance results

This unexpected discovery in Côte d’Armor is not an isolated incident. Throughout history, many important archaeological discoveries have occurred by accident. Perhaps the most famous example is the 1940 discovery of Lascaux Cave.

Lascaux’s story began when young Marcel Ravidat and his dog found a cavity in the ground. Joined by three friends—Georges Agniel, Simone Cuencas, and Jacques Marsal—the group embarked on an impromptu exploration, armed with shovels, a knife, and a flashlight. Their curiosity led them to find out Impressive cave paintings Which would later be identified as Upper Paleolithic rock art.

These serendipitous discoveries highlight the possibility of historical treasures hidden beneath our feet. It also emphasizes the importance of citizen participation in preserving antiquities. The table below shows some notable incidental archaeological finds:

Preserving the past for future study

After an initial investigation, the hole in Trebri was carefully refilled for “safety reasons.” This precaution ensures the site is preserved while allowing for more comprehensive future archaeological studies. Brittany’s Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs funded these initial excavations, investing around €2,000 in the project.

To accurately determine the age and nature of the discovered artifacts, researchers and archaeologists will conduct Radiocarbon dating analyses. The results of these tests are expected to be available in September, which could shed new light on the ancient history of the area.

This discovery in the Côtes d’Armor is a reminder of the rich historical tapestry that lies beneath our feet. It also highlights the ever-evolving nature of our understanding of Earth’s past. As new evidence suggests that our planet may once have had rings like Saturn’s, these ceramic fragments offer a glimpse of a time long ago, waiting to be discovered and understood.