Major Archaeological Discoveries Unveiled at Lyon’s Loyasse Cemetery
Lyon, January 17, 2026 – Significant archaeological discoveries have been made at Loyasse Cemetery in Lyon’s 5th arrondissement, as part of a four-year redevelopment project initiated by the City of Lyon. These findings, revealed in an announcement by the 5th arrondissement’s town hall on December 30, 2025, confirm continuous occupation of the site from antiquity to the contemporary era.
The cemetery, strategically located on the Fourvière hill, is close to the administrative, political, and financial heart of the ancient Roman colony of Lugdunum, making it a promising site for archaeological research.
First Monumental Ancient Gate of Lugdunum Discovered
A new phase of work, which began in February in the old ossuary, led to an exceptional discovery: the first monumental ancient gate of Lugdunum’s enclosure, dating from the 1st century AD. This rare vestige underscores the historical importance of the area in the organization of the ancient city.
Further Revelations from Pre-Urban Farm Project
Archaeological research is also being conducted ahead of a planned urban pedagogical farm. A diagnostic archaeological survey within the cemetery’s enclosure has brought to light new major elements. These excavations have revealed a former peri-urban sector on the slopes of Fourvière, bordering the Gorge de Loup district, with vestiges closely linked to the site’s topography.
For the ancient period, several notable discoveries include:
- A large ancient ditch filled in the 2nd century AD.
- Several layers of refuse pits dating from the 1st century AD.
- Rich archaeological material, including ceramic fragments, metallic elements of copper alloy, faunal remains, tesserae, and road slabs.
Among the most striking elements are also the remains of two equids, as well as numerous fragments of painted plaster. These discoveries are situated within a particularly rich local archaeological context, previously illustrated by the recent unearthing of an ancient circulation axis, a segment of an enclosure associated with a gate providing access to the Fourvière plateau, and several funerary structures.
Context and Significance
The Direction de l’Archéologie de la Ville de Lyon (DR) emphasizes the unique nature of these findings, which provide invaluable insights into the daily life, urban planning, and evolution of Lugdunum. The continuous occupation evident at the site offers a rare opportunity to study the transitions and developments across different historical periods in Lyon.
These discoveries contribute significantly to the understanding of ancient Lyon and its surroundings, further cementing its status as a key archaeological site in Europe. The ongoing work and future projects, such as the urban farm, promise to yield even more information about the city’s rich past.
The archaeological community eagerly awaits further analysis and publications on these exciting finds, which are expected to reshape current knowledge of Roman Lugdunum and its subsequent historical layers.
