Important archaeological remains, including a lead sarcophagus dating from the 14th century, have been discovered under one of the transverse naves of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral.

A preventive excavation

A preventive excavation operation was launched on February 2, 2022 by the public establishment responsible for the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. These excavations have led to the discovery of “important archaeological remains” under the crossing of the transverse nave of Notre-Dame de Paris, the Ministry of Culture announced on Monday in a press release. Archaeologists have unearthed, there are about ten days old, an old lead sarcophagus. It was under the Nave of the building.

From the 14th century

This anthropomorphic lead sarcophagus is “completely preserved” according to the Ministry of Culture. The first analysis of the furniture contained in the level of embankment surmounting it could lead to dating this burial at the latest from the 14th century. For the moment, we do not know who rests in the coffin, nor its precise dating. But in view of the characteristics and location of the sarcophagus, “the hypothesis of a burial of a high dignitary seems probable” continues the ministry. “The Minister of Culture and Army General Jean-Louis Georgelin, president of the public establishment, are delighted with these discoveries which will enrich our understanding of the history of Notre-Dame de Paris“, also writes the Ministry.