Excavation of 16th-Century Gallows and Burial Pits in France

Researchers from the French National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research have uncovered traces of sixteenth-century gallows and ten burial pits in Grenoble, France. The gallows, identified as a square brick structure, was initially thought to be part of a leper colony or a graveyard chapel.

However, a review of historic construction records revealed that this structure represented timber-framed gallows used in the town's public execution area, measuring approximately 27 feet long with stone pillars exceeding 16 feet in height.

The gallows featured a gibbet, which could execute prisoners and display the bodies of as many as eight individuals simultaneously. Excavations also revealed the remains of 32 people, predominantly men, with some remains dismembered or decapitated.

The gallows had fallen out of use by the early seventeenth century. According to the report, this discovery provides significant insights into the execution and burial practices of the sixteenth century, reflecting societal norms and justice systems of that era.