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Prehistoric Coffin Discovered Beneath Notre Dame Cathedral In Paris

A prehistoric lead coffin has been discovered beneath Notre Dame cathedral, along with pieces of a rood screen, providing fresh understanding into the construction’s history, which is experiencing restructuring as a result of a destructive fire in 2019.
Notre Dame, built in the 12th century, commissioned the excavation works inside the cathedral as a precautionary measure before the setting up of scaffolding required to restore a 100-metre high wooden roof ridge.

Source: Julien De Rosa/AFP/Getty Images

"The floor of the transept crossing has revealed remains of remarkable scientific quality," France's Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot said, continuing that excavation works have been extended until March 25.
The excavation site lies under a stony layer that dates from the 18th century, but some lower levels go back as far as the 14th, and some even the early 13th century, the Culture Ministry said.
Christophe Besnier from France's National Archaeological Institute said: "We were able to send a small camera inside which showed cloth remains, organic matter such as hair and plant remains."

Source: Julien De Rosa/AFP/Getty Images

"The fact that these plants are still there indicates that the contents have been very well preserved."
Archaeologists said the lead sarcophagus probably belonged to a high dignitary and said it could date back to the 14th century, which - if confirmed - would make it a spectacular find.
The excavation also revealed a pit immediately below the cathedral floor, which was likely to have been made around 1230, when Notre Dame, one of the oldest examples of French Gothic, was under construction.
The Notre Dame fire shocked France, with tearful Parisians and stunned tourists watching in disbelief as the blaze sent the cathedral's spire crashing down.
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