A preventative archaeology survey in the Burgundy region of France has led to the discovery of a pre-Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Epona. The site dates back to the 3rd century BCE, predating the Roman conquest of Gaul, and features a rare circular stone enclosure surrounding a sacred oak stump, which was later incorporated into a more formal Romano-Celtic fanum.
Archaeologists found dozens of ex-voto horse figurines made of clay and bronze, confirming Epona's role as the protectress of equines and travel. The layers of the site clearly show the transition from indigenous Celtic ritual practices to the adoption of Roman architectural styles, providing a rare chronological bridge for European religious history.