Excavation at Notre Dame Reveals Layers of Paris’s History
In the heart of Paris, a unique archaeological excavation is unfolding beneath the bustling activity of tourists visiting the iconic Notre Dame cathedral. Just below the surface, archaeologists are delving into the layers of history that lie beneath the city, tracing back to Roman times around 2,000 years ago.
In 2019, a fire led to the collapse of Notre Dame’s spire, witnessed by millions worldwide. Following the cathedral’s reconstruction and reopening in late 2024, the city plans to revamp the front plaza with greenery and shade. However, given Paris’s ancient roots, every construction project must navigate through historical layers to avoid damage.
“It is a rare opportunity to work on something that will make a tangible difference in Paris’s history,” stated Lucie Altenburg, conservator of Paris’s archaeology unit.
Referred to as “the excavation of the century” by French media, the project has already unearthed hundreds of objects. Among these are a fourth-century coin featuring Emperor Constantine and medieval pottery with undeciphered markings, drawing comparisons to modern mystery tales.
The excitement among tourists is palpable, as shared by visitor Emily Carter from Manchester. She remarked, “Seeing Notre Dame alive again, and realizing there’s another city beneath our feet, is touching.”
The archaeological team traces Paris’s history through various layers of soil. At 50 centimeters deep, traces begin, while at four meters, a vast timeline of history unravels. On some days, they fill numerous boxes with earth untouched for decades.
Layers of History
Paris, like many ancient cities, has grown and rebuilt over the ruins of previous civilizations. This cumulative buildup is evident in layers comparable to those found in Rome, which has risen by nine meters since the fall of the empire in the fifth century AD.
Archaeologist Camille Colonna leads the digs, uncovering remnants from different ages, including Merovingian and Carolingian grain silos from the sixth to tenth centuries, and a dense Roman neighborhood dated to the fourth and fifth centuries.
Discoveries and Challenges
The excavation yields monetary and ceramic relics, with many ceramics coming intact from ancient latrines beneath medieval homes. These discoveries provide insight into past civilizations, such as a Roman threshold used in former roads.
Artifacts transport to a city archaeology center, described as a treasure trove, emphasizing the rich historical tapestry underfoot.
“This happens because Paris decided to transform the area,” Altenburg explained, highlighting the city’s efforts amid global warming.
The project promises a new plaza by 2028, featuring trees and a water layer to cool the stone. The old parking area will become a visitor center overlooking the Seine. Meanwhile, archaeologists aim to explore even further into Paris’s deep past, potentially uncovering relics from ancient Gallic tribes.