Notre Dame Excavation Reveals Centuries-Old Artifacts

Archaeologists exploring Notre Dame cathedral in Paris have unearthed significant historical artifacts, including a 1,700-year-old Roman coin and puzzling markings lacking an explanation. This excavation commenced following the rebuilding efforts after the 2019 fire. The recent findings were shared by the Associated Press in June.

Digging in the cathedral’s forecourt, researchers have explored approximately 13 feet below ground, uncovering remnants from Paris’s past. Among the artifacts are a 4th-century coin with Emperor Constantine’s image and medieval pottery fragments with undeciphered markings. One pottery fragment is among several ceramics discovered beneath Notre Dame.

Archaeologist Valentine Breloux noted that finding intact ceramics is rare. She highlighted mysterious reddish markings painted inside pottery pieces, which experts have not yet interpreted. This excavation, labeled the ‘dig of the century’ by French media, has also led to the discovery of hundreds of items, including whole jugs and cups found in a latrine, which was used both as a garbage pit and a latrine.

The team also uncovered medieval grain pits, utilized from the sixth to the 10th centuries for grain preservation. Additionally, a Roman-era doorstep was found. It had been removed from its original structure, flipped, and reused as road paving. Conservator Lucie Altenburg emphasized the uniqueness of this excavation.

Altenburg expressed hopes of uncovering Parisian history at an unprecedented depth. The Roman artifacts are particularly valuable, though archaeologists aim to find evidence predating the Romans, such as items from the Gauls.

Here you can see the layers — medieval Paris, Roman Paris, maybe even before that.

This statement by archaeology student Yasmine Benali reflects the transformative nature of the findings. The site contributes to a larger renovation project of Notre Dame’s square, scheduled for completion by 2028. This project includes plans to improve visitor facilities.

The excavation continues to draw attention years after the fire that initiated a substantial restoration effort. Emily Carter, a tourist, expressed how the discovery beneath the cathedral enriches the historical experience, noting that it reveals an additional hidden city.