First discovery of burials années 1880 (≈ 1880)
Fortuitous discovery before the excavations.
1952
Beginning of archaeological excavations
Beginning of archaeological excavations 1952 (≈ 1952)
Launched on a cross road.
1ᵉʳ décembre 2016
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 1ᵉʳ décembre 2016 (≈ 2016)
Protection of the entire site.
3 décembre 2021
Classification of Merovingian Elements
Classification of Merovingian Elements 3 décembre 2021 (≈ 2021)
Enhanced protection of graves and remains.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
In total, all the graves discovered, the fanum, the votive well and the remains buried with the ground of the plot on which they are located, as well as the Calvary, the stations of the Way of the Cross and the Chapel of St.Barbe, as represented on the plan annexed to the decree (Box 8,152): inscription by order of 1 December 2016; All the graves discovered, the fanum, the votive well, the remains buried, with the ground of the plot which contains them, in total, constituting the site of the Merovingian necropolis, excluding the Calvary, the 13 stations of the Way of the Cross, the Chapel of Sainte-Barbe and the entrance gate, located at the place known as "Bois de Butte", on Parcel No. 152 appearing in the cadastre section 8, as delimited on the plan annexed to the decree: classification by decree of 3 December 2021
Key figures
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The sources don't mention any actors.
Origin and history
The Merovingian necropolis of Audun-le-Tiche is a major archaeological site of the 7th century, located in the Bois de Butte, near the ancient vicus Aquaeductus. It extends over about 700 m2 and is distinguished by its 250 graves, 201 of which are excavated, revealing various typologies: full earth, sarcophagi, and especially masonry graves – a rare feature. The latter were built with re-used Gallo-Roman moellons, notably from an adjacent (sanctuary) fanum dated the I-IV centuries. This fanum, dedicated to pagan worship, probably served as a stone quarry for later Christian burials.
The first burials were discovered by chance in the 1880s, but systematic excavations started only in 1952, when a cross road was built on the hill. Local mining however caused the destruction of several graves prior to their study. The site, which also includes a votive well and buried remains, was listed as historical monuments in 2016, and was partially classified in 2021 for its merovingian elements. Its organization in "alignment cemetery" and the reuse of ancient materials make it a unique testimony of funeral practices between late Antiquity and the High Middle Ages.
The historical context reveals a continuing occupation of the site: the Gallo-Roman fanum, active until the fourth century, gave way to a Christian necropolis in the seventh century, illustrating the religious and cultural transition of the region. The presence of the Calvary, the stations of the Way of the Cross and the Chapel of St.Barbe (excluded from the ranking of 2021) underscores the medieval and modern reappropriation of this historic place. The excavations also revealed re-used carved elements, confirming the link between the two periods.
Audun-le-Tiche, integrated into the Community of Communes of the Pays Haut Val d'Alzette, takes its name from the medieval Latin Aquaeductus, perhaps evoking an ancient Roman hydraulic system. The necropolis, owned by the municipality, is now a protected site, although its precise location (27 rue Lorraine) and accessibility remain partially documented. The available sources (Wikipedia, Mérimée base) emphasize its exceptional character for the study of Merovingian funeral practices in Lorraine.
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