Answer:
The first two paragraphs of the article "Secrets in the stones" introduce the topic of the archaeological discovery of a well-preserved Roman-era cemetery in the town of Narbonne, France. The paragraphs provide background information on the site and its historical significance.
These paragraphs set the stage for the rest of the article, which goes on to describe the archaeological dig in detail and explain the importance of the discovery. By introducing the site and its historical context at the beginning of the article, the reader is better able to understand the significance of the discoveries made during the excavation.
Two details from the text that support this answer include:
1. "Archaeologists in the French city of Narbonne have unearthed a well-preserved ancient cemetery containing the remains of more than 300 individuals, including children, in what has been described as the largest discovery of its kind in the region." This detail provides background information on the discovery, setting up the rest of the article to discuss the excavation and its findings.
2. "Narbonne was an important port on the Mediterranean during the Roman era, and the cemetery is believed to have been in use from the 1st to the 3rd centuries AD." This historical context helps to explain why the discovery is significant and how it can contribute to our understanding of the region and the time period.