In the Gallo-Roman Auxerre, a singular "necropolis of the little ones"

Recent archaeological excavations in Auxerre revealed a significant number of child burials, highlighting the high infant mortality rates in ancient times. Estimates suggest that up to half of children did not survive past adolescence, with many dying in the perinatal period. The findings, presented at the Musée de l’homme in Paris, included 235 graves and various funerary artifacts, emphasizing the somber reality of childhood mortality in the Gallo-Roman world. Archaeologist Carole Fossurier noted the surreal experience of uncovering so many remains of infants in a small area.