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Ancient Sarcophagus Uncovered Beneath Notre Dame Cathedral

Photo Credit: 1. LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP / Getty Images 2. JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP / Getty Images
Photo Credit: 1. LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP / Getty Images 2. JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP / Getty Images

Archaeologists conducting an excavation at Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral have unearthed multiple tombs and a human-shaped lead sarcophagus, which are believed to date back to the 14th century.

Lead sarcophagus at the Notre Dame cathedral
14th century lead sarcophagus discovered in the floor of the Notre Dame cathedral, March 2022. (Photo Credit: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP / Getty Images)

The archaeologists from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) are conducting the excavation as a precautionary measure, before the installation of scaffolding needed to restore the cathedral’s wooden roof ridge. The roof, as well as the Notre Dame‘s 160-year-old Gothic spire, were destroyed during an April 2019 fire, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical short.

The excavation site, which lies beneath a stone layer dating back to the 18th century, with some lower levels going back as far as the 13th century, has uncovered a host of artifacts, according to France’s Culture Ministry. Dominique Garcia, with the INRAP, said the finds could help improve historians’ understanding of funeral practices in the middle ages.

Antique artifacts found beneath the Notre Dame
Antique artifacts found by archaeologists in the floor of the Notre Dame cathedral, March 2022. (Photo Credit: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP / Getty Images)
Archaeologists excavating the floor of the Notre Dame cathedral
Archaeologists excavate the floor of the Notre Dame cathedral, March 2022. (Photo Credit: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP / Getty Images)

The tombs unearthed are “of remarkable scientific quality.” The lead sarcophagus, in particular, shows signs of impressive conservation, despite being warped by the weight of stones and the earth.

Using a mini endoscopic camera to look inside, archaeologists were able to “glimpse pieces of fabric, hair and a pillow of leaves on top of the head, a well known phenomenon when religious leaders were buried,” according to Christophe Besnier, the excavation’s lead archaeologist. “The fact that these plant elements are still inside means the body is in a very good state of conservation.”

It’s believed the sarcophagus likely belonged to a high dignitary, who died sometime in the 14th century.

Notre Dame on fire
The Notre Dame Cathedral erupted into flames in April 2019. The fire, believed to have been started by an electrical short, destroyed the cathedral’s roof and Gothic spire. (Photo Credit: Veronique de Viguerie / Getty Images)

Along with the aforementioned discoveries, archaeologists have thus far uncovered a 13th-century rood screen, an architectural piece that separates the altar from the nave, as well as an underground heating system dating back to the 19th century and a pit immediately below the cathedral floor, which is believed to have been made around 1230 – when the Notre Dame was under construction.

Several painted sculptures have also been unearthed, including those of vegetables, a pair of carved hands and a bust of a yet-to-be-identified bearded man, and artifacts dating back to the original church. It’s been restored and renovated numerous times over its 800-year existence.

Archaeologists excavating the floor of the Notre Dame cathedral
Archaeologists excavate the floor of the Notre Dame cathedral, March 2022. (Photo Credit: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP / Getty Images)
Lead sarcophagus at the Notre Dame cathedral
14th century lead sarcophagus discovered in the floor of the Notre Dame cathedral, March 2022. (Photo Credit: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP / Getty Images)

More from us: Two Men Arrested for Looting at Notre Dame Cathedral

Archaeologists have until March 25, 2022 to finish their excavation, at which time the reconstruction project resumes. This is to ensure the cathedral is ready to welcome back the public by the current Easter 2024 deadline set by France’s President Emmanuel Macron.

Clare Fitzgerald

Clare Fitzgerald is a Writer and Editor with eight years of experience in the online content sphere. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from King’s University College at Western University, her portfolio includes coverage of digital media, current affairs, history and true crime.

Among her accomplishments are being the Founder of the true crime blog, Stories of the Unsolved, which garners between 400,000 and 500,000 views annually, and a contributor for John Lordan’s Seriously Mysterious podcast. Prior to its hiatus, she also served as the Head of Content for UK YouTube publication, TenEighty Magazine.

In her spare time, Clare likes to play Pokemon GO and re-watch Heartland over and over (and over) again. She’ll also rave about her three Maltese dogs whenever she gets the chance.

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