In February 2022, reconstruction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris commenced following the devastating fire in April 2019. The removal of debris and restoration of damaged stone walls and roofs took nearly three years, with urgent efforts to rebuild lost sections, particularly the iconic wooden spire. French President Emmanuel Macron announced an ambitious goal to reopen the cathedral in 2024, accelerating project timelines.
Before construction began, archaeologists were summoned to ensure the site was free of buried artifacts that could be damaged by the 770-ton scaffolding. French law mandates archaeological intervention for any construction project affecting historically significant soil. The task was led by Christophe Besnier from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research.
Unexpected Archaeological Discoveries
Initially, Besnier's team was permitted to excavate only 16 inches below the stone floor, the depth required for scaffolding foundations, as reported by National Geographic. Expectations for significant artifact discoveries at this shallow depth were low. However, excavation revealed an unexpected surprise: buried treasures from the medieval era.
Besnier stated, "The remains we found were much richer than we anticipated." Ultimately, his team unearthed over 1,035 artifacts, including life-sized sculptures and intricate limestone works. This discovery not only surprised archaeologists but also unveiled forgotten aspects of the cathedral's history, which was constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Exceptional Artistic Finds
One of the most notable discoveries was the remains of a massive stone barrier from the 13th century, known as the "plaster barrier." This structure separated the cathedral's choir and altar from the nave, enhancing the sanctity of the priests' prayers. The barrier was dismantled in the early 18th century, leaving behind only a few undocumented fragments.
The rediscovery of this barrier not only restored an artifact but also redefined the experience of medieval worship, when the cathedral served as a site for devotion and contemplation, shielded from public view by towering artistic works.
Among the findings were life-sized sculptures, including a statue depicting Christ at the moment of death, with closed eyes and a wound in his side from which blood flows. Besnier described this artwork as "an extraordinary masterpiece," noting the remarkable detail in the carving of features like eyelids, nose, and ears.
Following the discovery of these unique pieces, Besnier's team received permission to extend excavations to greater depths. What was initially planned as a five-week dig extended to over two months, during which the team also uncovered lead coffins and other less ornate burials, adding new dimensions to the understanding of the site occupied by the cathedral for over a millennium.
A Medieval Visit to Notre-Dame
When the cathedral was built in the 13th century, visiting Notre-Dame was markedly different from today. The stone barrier, standing 13 feet tall and topped with a giant cross, obscured the altar and choir from visitors. Architectural historian Matthieu Lours noted that the barrier served two main purposes: providing a platform for priests to preach and read sacred texts before the gathered crowds, and ensuring privacy for priests during their daily prayers, conducted away from public view.
Display of the Unearthed Treasures
Some of the artifacts found have recently been exhibited at the Cluny Museum in Paris, allowing the public to view these buried treasures that had remained lost for centuries. These pieces are not merely historical relics; they are living testimonies to the grandeur of Gothic art and its intricate details.
A Legacy Beyond Borders
These discoveries illustrate that Notre-Dame is not just a tourist landmark or religious symbol; it is a living archive narrating centuries of history and culture. The fire that devastated the cathedral did not mark the end of its story but the beginning of a new chapter that revives its buried past.
As restoration and reconstruction efforts continue, these unearthed treasures stand as a testament to the genius of those who designed and executed them centuries ago, as well as the ongoing efforts to preserve this heritage for future generations.