An extraordinary discovery was made in the cathedral, still restored after the fire of 2019. Mysterious tombstones and a human-shaped sarcophagus were found under the floor.
It happened during preparatory work in the central part of the building, where the transverse nave crosses the nave. They are an introduction to the planned reconstruction of the Notre Dame spire. Unexpectedly, several tombstones and a very well-preserved lead sarcophagus in the shape of a human figure were unexpectedly discovered under the floor. According to the representative of the French Ministry of Culture, Roselyne Bachelot, this is a discovery of "extraordinary scientific importance".
Secrets of the dead
The sarcophagus was probably made in the 14th century . It turned out to be slightly cracked in one place. Thanks to this, it was possible to examine its contents using an endoscopic camera. The researchers found inside was a very well preserved body. At the headrest, pieces of fabric, hair and a pillow of leaves were observed. It is suspected that the person buried there was a high church dignitary. In total, around 400 people have been buried in various places of Notre Dame . Among them were also archbishops and bishops.
A 14th-century lead sarcophagus discovered during excavations in the floor of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. Photo:Julien de Rosa
Along with the tombstones, sculptures were also discovered that most probably were part of the original element from the 13th century - the so-called rood screen, separating the altar from the cathedral nave . Among others, a bust of a man and carved hands and vegetables. Importantly, there are still traces of paint on the fragments of the sculptures. The components of this element were found much earlier. Some were discovered in the 18th century during restoration work under the supervision of the architect Eugène Viollet le Duc. They are currently in the Louvre.
Archaeologists unearthed the floor of the Notre Dame Cathedral after the discovery of a 14th-century lead sarcophagus in Paris, March 15, 2022. Photo:Julien de Rosa
The archaeological work in the central point of the cathedral is expected to last until March 25. Running them longer could have an impact on the renovation work schedule and on the re-opening of the cathedral, which is scheduled for spring 2024. So archaeologists must hurry. This date was set by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron himself.
Sources
- Ancient tombs unearthed at Paris ’Notre-Dame cathedral, phys.org, accessed March 17, 2022.
- S. Cascone, Workers Rebuilding Notre Dame Have Discovered Previously Unknown Tombs and a Mysterious Sarcophagus Beneath the Cathedral, news.artnet.com, accessed 03/17/2022.