The discovery of twenty Celtic skeletons in a riverbed near the ruins of a bridge in Switzerland’s Three Lakes region has sparked extensive research and debate over the past six decades. Recent interdisciplinary studies involving archaeology, anthropology, thanatology, biochemistry, and genetics aim to unravel the mystery of these remains and provide insights into Celtic heritage in the region.
Background and Initial Discoveries
The skeletons were first unearthed in 1965 during renovations of the Thielle Canal. Located near the Cornaux/Les Sauges Celtic bridge ruins, these findings have generated theories ranging from a violent tsunami to ritualistic human sacrifice. The region, significant to the Helvetians, the largest Celtic tribe in the area, has been central to these investigations.
New Insights from Interdisciplinary Research
A recent study published in Scientific Reports and supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, brought together specialists from the University of Bern and the Eurac Research Institute for Mummy Studies. This study applied paleogenomics for the first time to Celtic individuals from Switzerland, revealing their genetic links to other Iron Age populations across Europe, including Britain, the Czech Republic, Spain, and central Italy. Isotopic analyses suggested a mix of local and Alpine origins among the individuals.
Investigating the Cause of Death
The research team conducted a thorough bioarchaeological investigation to determine the cause of death. The skeletons showed signs of violent impact but lacked intentional injuries or wounds from sharp objects. The presence of brain fragments in some skulls indicated that the bodies were quickly covered by sediment, suggesting a sudden and violent event. The entanglement of bones with wooden pieces further supports the theory of a natural disaster, such as a flood or tsunami, leading to the bridge’s collapse.
Theories: Natural Disaster vs. Human Sacrifice
While the evidence points towards a catastrophic event, the possibility of human sacrifice cannot be entirely ruled out. The Celts were known for ritualistic practices involving water, and the Three Lakes region held significant cultural importance. The demographic analysis of the skeletons, which included a young girl, two other children, and 17 adults (mostly young men), hints at various possible scenarios, from a group of prisoners or slaves to merchants or soldiers. The lack of familial ties among the individuals adds another layer of complexity.
Conclusion and Continuing Mysteries
Despite the advances in understanding the genetic and isotopic profiles of these individuals, the exact events leading to their deaths remain elusive. The research highlights the high mobility and mixed population of the Celts in this region, countering previous notions of their isolation. The ongoing investigation aims to deepen our understanding of Celtic cultural and biological heritage, though the precise circumstances of the Cornaux/Les Sauges bridge incident are likely to remain a mystery.
