The 2019 fire that claimed most of Notre Dame Cathedral was a tragedy that stunned the world. Money came pouring in and the church was financially secured to be reconstructed in three years time. But as efforts to restore the landmark progressed, there was an unexpected silver lining. Archaeologists found a wealth of historical artifacts and treasures beneath the Cathedral’s stone floor that had remained undisturbed for centuries. These findings have shed light on Notre Dame’s past, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the Middle Ages.
Unveiling Hidden History
Before rebuilding could commence, archaeologists from France’s National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research were required by law to come and ensure no artifacts were harmed during the restoration. Initially, they were only authorized to dig about 16 inches below the cathedral floor to make room for scaffolding. However, after carefully removed tiles and rubble, all expectations were surpassed. Beneath the surface lay over one thousand fragments of art, sculptures, and even a lead coffin.
One of the most significant finds were remnants of the 13th-century limestone rood screen, a Gothic masterpiece long thought lost to history. The screen, which once separated the choir from the nave, had been dismantled in the 18th century. Its rediscovery offers a rare glimpse into how Notre Dame functioned centuries ago, both architecturally and spiritually.
Read More: Evidence of 90-million-year-old rainforest uncovered beneath Antarctic ice
The Rood Screen
The rood screen (rood means cross) stood as a physical and symbolic barrier, allowing priests to conduct sacred rituals in private while serving as a platform for delivering scripture readings. Topped with a grand crucifix, it was adorned with intricate sculptures depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. Among the unearthed Notre Dame artifacts were life-sized figures, including a strikingly detailed sculpture of Christ with closed eyes and a wound on His side.
“The finesse and detail of these sculptures are exceptional,” noted archaeologist Christophe Besnier, who led the excavation team. He pointed out how remnants of red pigment on some fragments revealed that the sculptures were originally brightly painted, offering new insights into the vibrant aesthetic of medieval cathedrals.
A Chance Discovery
Had it not been for the fire, these treasures might have remained buried indefinitely. The excavation, initially planned as a five-week project, extended to over two months as more discoveries were made. The findings included not only pieces of the rood screen but also additional lead coffins and limestone sculptures, likely buried out of reverence when the screen was dismantled centuries ago.
While the restoration project is now on track, Notre Dame has reopened as of December 2024. The unexpected archaeological discoveries added another layer of historical richness to the cathedral. “If we hadn’t had the fire, we would never have had the chance to uncover these treasures,” Besnier remarked.
Read More: 2000-Year-Old Mask Found in Ancient Mexican Pyramid
Preserving a Legacy
Though many of the artifacts have been recovered and preserved, experts believe more remains hidden beneath the cathedral floor. Despite calls for further excavations, current restoration priorities may delay any additional digs. For now, the artifacts recovered serve as a reminder of Notre Dame’s enduring significance—not just as a place of worship, but as a treasure trove of human history.