After the devastating fire in 2019, historical burials were discovered under Notre Dame Cathedral
Archaeologists have discovered several tombs and a lead sarcophagus, possibly dating from the 14th century, under Notre Dame Cathedral during renovations on the building after a devastating fire in 2019.
Burials of obvious scientific value were discovered during preparations for the restoration of an ancient church tower in the central part of the cathedral, where the so-called transept – a transverse nave in the basilica and cruciform churches is located, crossing the main (longitudinal) nave at right angles.
Apparently, the anthropomorphic sarcophagus of a high-ranking figure was made in the 13th century AD – a hundred years after the cathedral was built. A team of scientists has already used a miniature endoscopic camera to look inside the distorted sarcophagus under the weight of the earth and stones.
“We were able to see pieces of cloth, hair and, above all, the remains of a pillow of vegetation on the head, which is typical for the burial of religious leaders,” said archaeologist Christophe Besnier of the group. “The fact that these botanicals are still inside means that the maintenance of the body must also be good.”
In addition to the tombs, fragments of carvings painted directly below the current floor level of the building were also found, identified as fragments of the original thirteenth-century subdivision, the architectural element separating the altar area from the nave.
All of these discoveries were made when maintenance crews were preparing to install high scaffolding to restore the tower and were necessary to check the stability of the base. Archaeologists have been given until March 25, after which work will resume on rebuilding the cathedral, which is due to reopen in 2024.
