Ancient tombs discovered at Notre-Dame Cathedral during scaffolding works

Ancient tombs discovered at Notre-Dame Cathedral during scaffolding works

Archaeologists have found ancient tombs and a leaden sarcophagus dating back to the 14th century underneath Notre Dame cathedral, in what has been described as a ‘remarkable’ discovery.

They said among the tombs was the ‘completely preserved, human-shaped sarcophagus made of lead’ for ‘a senior dignitary’ and likely dated from the 1300s — the century following the famous building’s construction. 

The famous 12th-century cathedral is currently being rebuilt after it was gutted by a massive inferno in April 2019.

But prior to the erection of scaffolding needed to restore a 330ft (100-metre) high wooden roof ridge, excavation works were commissioned inside the cathedral as a precautionary measure.

It turned out to be a shrewd move as archaeologists also discovered a pit immediately below the cathedral floor, which was likely to have been made around 1230 when Notre Dame, one of the oldest examples of French Gothic, was under construction.

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They hope their discovery will offer new insight into the history of the building.

‘The floor of the transept crossing has revealed remains of remarkable scientific quality,’ France’s Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot said, adding that excavation works have been extended until March 25.

The excavation site lies under a stony layer that dates from the 18th century, but some lower levels go back as far as the 14th, and some even the early 13th century, the country’s culture ministry said.

Christophe Besnier, from France’s National Archaeological Institute, said: ‘We were able to send a small camera inside which showed cloth remains, organic matter such as hair and plant remains.

‘The fact that these plants are still there indicates that the contents have been very well preserved.’

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

Much of the UNESCO World Heritage landmark building was devastated during the blaze, which led to the roof of the 850-year-old building caving in.

The 300ft-tall Gothic spire collapsed into the embers early in the blaze to pained cries of ‘Oh my God’ from locals transfixed by the unfolding scene. 

However, firefighters did manage to spare Notre Dame’s spectacular Gothic facade and two landmark towers from being destroyed, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying at the time that ‘the worst has been avoided’.

He vowed to rebuild Notre Dame by 2024, when Paris is hosting the Olympics, with help from the international community. 

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The cathedral took two centuries to build but was destroyed in just 63 minutes after a fire broke out during renovation work. 

The inferno led to a vast outpouring of emotion, as well as donations from across the world, and within two days about €900m ($1bn; £805m) had been raised for the cathedral’s restoration.