At Orthez (southwest France) an archeological excavation is taking place prior to construction work on the site of a former Franciscan convent juxtaposed with a huge cemetery. A large rectangular pit cleared in the southwestern part of the excavated space has raised questions. It has revealed 26 skeletons whose positions -placed on the back, the belly or the side – indicate that the bodies were deposited quickly, without much care and probably still dressed.
The presence of small objects associated with certain skeletons, such as buttons of uniforms and gaiters, lead balls, gunpowder, cannonball, and other accessories, strongly suggests that these are Napoleonic soldiers.
This multiple burial could indeed be linked to a military event: historical sources report that on 27 February 1814 a battle took place at Orthez, between allied armies and the Pyrenean army. This confrontation, which caused heavy losses on both sides, is indicated by some memorials indicating the burial sites reserved for the soldiers. But information on the funeral treatment of the troops remains incomplete.
More information (in French) and photo gallery on the site of the Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives.