By News Desk 
Thousands of kilometers away from India, in a quiet corner of France, archaeologists have uncovered a stunning historical treasure—two ancient swords dating back nearly 2,300 years. These weapons are believed to belong to the Celtic Iron Age, and experts suggest that they are among the most distinctive swords ever found in Europe.
According to the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), one of the swords is engraved with tiny swastika symbols on its scabbard—a fascinating detail that connects to a range of ancient cultural meanings far different from the modern associations.
A Glimpse into the Celtic Iron Age
These rare swords were discovered in Cruzy-le-Neuf, a small town in France, during an excavation of a 650-square-meter burial site in 2022. The site contained over 100 graves, though the acidic nature of the soil had destroyed any human bones. Still, one particular grave revealed ashes and a beautifully decorated ceramic urn, as well as the two exceptional swords.
Both swords were found intact within their scabbards. One features a copper sheath, while the longer sword still retains metal rings designed for attaching it to a warrior’s belt—suggesting it was meant for horseback combat. Intricately polished gemstones line the edge of one of the scabbards, with two stones engraved with the swastika symbol.
The Meaning of the Ancient Swastika
The swastika, today widely misunderstood due to its misuse during World War II, originally held positive spiritual and symbolic meanings across many ancient cultures, including Hinduism, where it is still revered as sacred.
INRAP archaeologist Vincent Georges explained in a report to Live Science that the Celts likely used the swastika as a decorative motif, though its deeper cultural significance in that region remains uncertain. In this context, it might have represented concepts like good fortune, the sun, or cosmic order.
A Treasure Trove of Ancient Jewelry and Artifacts
Along with the swords, the excavation unearthed metal jewelry, including copper bracelets and 18 fragmented brooches. One brooch stood out with an embedded gemstone adorned in gold and silver, dating back to between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. Some artifacts also bore the “ocellus” or eye motif, a design element that was immensely popular among Celtic artisans.
Perhaps most fascinating is the X-ray analysis of the sword blade that revealed sun and moon patterns—a rare artistic detail that offers insight into the spiritual or symbolic beliefs of the era.
Conclusion: A Window into Ancient European Culture
This extraordinary discovery not only highlights the craftsmanship of the Celtic Iron Age, but also invites us to reconsider ancient symbols and their meanings. The swastika, long before it was distorted in the 20th century, served as a universal symbol of balance, power, and the cosmos.
As more analysis is conducted, these swords and the burial site may unlock new perspectives on how ancient European societies lived, fought, and expressed their beliefs through art and weaponry.