Ancient sarcophagus found under Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

A team of archaeologists have found a ancient lead sarcophagus under the Parisian cathedral notre-dameas well as fragments of an ambo, thus discovering more details of the history of the temple, which is currently still under reconstruction after the devastating fire that devastated him in 2019.

The cathedral, built in the 12th century, commissioned excavation work inside as a precautionary measure before installing the scaffolding necessary to restore a part of the temple. “The floor of the transept has revealed remains of remarkable scientific quality“, has pointed out the French Minister of Culture, Roselyne Bachelot, who has announced that the excavations have been extended until next March 25.

The excavation site is under a layer of stone dating from the 18th century, although some lower levels date back to the 14th century and some even to the 13th, according to the French Ministry of Culture.

From the National Archaeological Institute of France, Christophe Besnier has indicated that a small camera could be sent inside, which showed fabric debris, organic matter such as hair, and plant debris. The fact that these plants are intact, she added, indicates that the contents have been very well preserved.

According to archaeologists, the sarcophagus probably belonged to a high dignitary and it could date back to the 14th century, which, if confirmed, would make it a spectacular find.

In addition, the excavation has revealed a grave immediately below the cathedral floor, which was probably created around 1230, when Notre Dame was still being built.