An extensive archaeological excavation beneath Notre Dame Cathedral's forecourt in Paris, triggered by the 2019 fire and subsequent urban renewal plans, has been hailed as the 'dig of the century' after yielding remarkable finds spanning 20 centuries.
Unearthing Layers of History
The project has transformed a section of the forecourt into an active excavation site, where archaeologists have dug through four metres of earth to reveal layers from Roman times to the medieval period. Among the discoveries are a fourth-century coin bearing the image of Emperor Constantine and medieval pottery shards adorned with mysterious, undeciphered reddish markings.
Cellars, Grain Pits, and a Roman Quarter
Excavators have uncovered cellars of medieval homes, Merovingian and Carolingian grain pits, and the remains of a dense Roman quarter. Some of the best-preserved artifacts have been retrieved from ancient latrines, offering a unique glimpse into daily life across millennia.
This rare opportunity provides unprecedented insight into Paris's deep history, with hopes to delve even further back to the time of the Gauls. The excavation is set to continue ahead of the cathedral's reopening in late 2024 and the forecourt's transformation into a shaded public space.
