Notre-Dame burned down almost completely a few years ago, and the church in Paris should be back up by 2024. Now researchers have made an incredible discovery.
Paris – When Notre-Dame burned, not only Paris and France stood still. The whole world watched the medieval cathedral in 2019 as it burned and smoked and threatened to collapse. Just a short time after the inferno, French President Emmanuel Macron announced rapid reconstruction. Three years later, the signs of the catastrophe are still clearly visible, but the heavy scaffolding at a height of 40 meters has disappeared. The restoration work has been underway since October 2021 and numerous researchers are also on the construction site. Now a historic find has been reported.
Notre-Dame in Paris: Researchers discover unknown graves
Since June 2021, researchers have been allowed to carry out an archaeological dig on the cathedral’s property due to the need for earthmoving in a specific area of the church, according to the website of the French Ministry of Culture. On a 120 square meter site, geologists are looking for material for the reconstruction, those responsible hope in particular for sculptural elements. But foundation layers are also being dug to gain information about the history of Notre-Dame. During current archaeological investigations, researchers have now discovered several previously unknown tombs.
Paris: Archaeologists find tombs from 14th century
The finds are of “remarkable scientific quality,” said the French Ministry of Culture on Monday. A “completely preserved sarcophagus made of lead” was discovered under the graves. Presumably, a “high dignitary from the 14th century” was buried in this grave. Using an endoscope camera, plant remains were found under the deceased’s head, hair, textile fragments and organic material. The whole thing indicates a very good overall state of preservation, according to the ministry on its website.
Notre-Dame: Historical finds reported during construction work
The tombs were discovered at the level of the crossing where the nave and transept of the cathedral cross. In addition to the tombs, the archaeologists discovered a “pit” beneath the cathedral’s current floor covering, in which “multicolored sculptures were buried”. These are part of the old rood screen of Notre-Dame, which was built around 1230 and destroyed in the early 18th century. This is a partition, often ornate, that separates the clergy’s room from the rest of the nave. Parts of this rood screen were found during the construction of the spire in the 19th century. They are on display in the Louvre Museum.
Notre-Dame: reopening until the Summer Olympics in Paris 2024
Archaeological excavation is scheduled to be completed on March 25 at the site. As for the lead sarcophagus, it is said to be removed for examination in the next few days. There is still a lot of work to be done by those responsible on the construction site. Due to the Coronapandemic reconstruction was delayed. It is now planned to reopen before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The windows of Notre-Dame are being restored in Cologne. (afp/ale)
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