Researchers from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) made several significant discoveries both within and around Notre-Dame during excavations carried out as part of the cathedral's restoration.
The discoveries include fragments of a 13th-century rood screen, graves associated with burials at Notre-Dame, and various artefacts such as pieces of ceramics, glass, and animal bones.
These finds provide invaluable insights into the history and cultural life of the cathedral and its surroundings.
According to Boris Robin, a member of the Inrap team, the scope of the discoveries extends beyond Notre-Dame itself, offering a window into the entire history of the Île de la Cité, from Antiquity through the medieval era to the 19th century.
Among the most significant finds are items that reveal details about the everyday lives of those who lived and worked near the cathedral across centuries.
Robin emphasised the importance of these findings: “Until now, researchers lacked a comprehensive view of the archaeological remains on the Île de la Cité, particularly those under and around Notre-Dame.
These excavations allowed us to delve deeper into these areas, uncovering information from the Gallo-Roman period to more recent times, including access to the foundational structures of Notre-Dame itself.”
One notable discovery was a burial site, believed to be linked to the cathedral’s early history, which sheds light on medieval funerary practices.
Another key finding was a series of architectural remnants that highlight the evolution of the cathedral’s construction techniques and materials.
With the excavation phase now complete, Robin explained that the project has entered the analysis stage.
“All the artefacts have been inventoried, cleaned, and stored. The next step involves studying these items in detail to understand how people lived and interacted with Notre-Dame over the centuries,” he said.
The discoveries are expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of Paris’s historical and cultural development, offering a clearer picture of life on the Île de la Cité from ancient times to the present.
In the long term, the findings may also inform future restoration and conservation efforts for Notre-Dame and other historic sites in the area.
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