What was found in Grenoble, France?

A 16th-century gallows used for displaying executed prisoners was discovered in Grenoble.

How many individuals were buried at the Grenoble gallows site?

At least 32 individuals were found in ten burial pits dating back to the 16th century.

Why was the Grenoble gallows considered a high-status site?

The gallows had eight stone pillars, indicating it was under royal jurisdiction and a rare example of its kind.

Home / Crime and Justice / Grenoble Discovery: A Chilling 16th-Century Gallows

Grenoble Discovery: A Chilling 16th-Century Gallows

11 Jan

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Summary

A 16th-century gallows used for public display of executed prisoners was discovered.
The site held ten burial pits with at least 32 individuals, mostly men and some women.
This royal gallows, with eight stone pillars, was a rare and high-status judicial site.

Grenoble Discovery: A Chilling 16th-Century Gallows

Archaeologists in Grenoble, France, have uncovered a remarkably preserved 16th-century gallows, a site previously unknown and used for displaying executed prisoners. This significant discovery was made ahead of redevelopment work in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

The excavation revealed a square masonry structure containing ten burial pits from the 16th century, holding at least 32 individuals, mostly men. These executions targeted rebels against royal authority, including Protestant opponents, with notable figures like Benoît Croyet and Charles du Puy Montbrun displayed there.

Distinguished by its eight stone pillars, this gallows signifies a high-status royal jurisdiction, administered by the Parliament of the Dauphiné. The rare find offers crucial insights into historical mortuary practices and the visible markers of condemned individuals in past societies.