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

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

After an extensive search, Yon-Berthelot stumbled upon a peculiar hole in the ground, approximately one meter in diameter. To her dismay, she found her missing heifer at the bottom of this three-meter deep pit. Sadly, the fall proved fatal for the animal.

This tragic incident, however, opened a window into the past. The unusual nature of the hole 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 unearthed

Following the initial discovery, the Rennes Archaeology Center was promptly notified. A team of five archaeologists swiftly arrived at the site to investigate the mysterious pit. Their examination yielded fascinating results :

• Pottery fragments
• Photographic evidence
• Precise measurements of the pit

Gadea Cabanillas de La Torre, a heritage curator overseeing Côtes d'Armor at the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (Drac), provided a preliminary assessment. According to her, these vestiges could potentially "date back to between 550 and 150 BCE". This estimation, while provisional, suggests that the pit and its contents may offer valuable insights into the region's ancient past.

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

The importance of serendipitous findings

This unexpected discovery in Côtes d'Armor is not an isolated incident. Throughout history, many significant archaeological finds have occurred by chance. Perhaps the most famous example is the discovery of the Lascaux Cave in 1940.

The story of Lascaux began when young Marcel Ravidat and his dog stumbled upon a cavity in the ground. Joined by three friends - Georges Agniel, Simon Coencas, and Jacques Marsal - the group embarked on an impromptu exploration armed with picks, a knife, and a lamp. Their curiosity led them to uncover impressive cave paintings that would later be identified as Upper Paleolithic rock art.

These serendipitous discoveries highlight the potential for hidden historical treasures beneath our feet. They also underscore the importance of citizen involvement in archaeological preservation. The table below illustrates some notable accidental archaeological finds :

Preserving the past for future study

Following the initial investigation, the pit in Trébry was carefully refilled "for safety reasons". This precautionary measure ensures the site's preservation while allowing for future, more extensive archaeological studies. The Brittany Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs has funded these preliminary excavation works, investing approximately €2,000 in the project.

To precisely 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, potentially shedding new light on the region's ancient history.

This discovery in Côtes d'Armor serves as 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. Just as new evidence suggests our planet may have once had rings like Saturn, these ceramic fragments offer a glimpse into a time long past, waiting to be uncovered and understood.