AP exclusive: Under Notre Dame cathedral, a ‘dig of the century’ unearths 1,700 years of history
Summary
Archaeologists are digging under Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to uncover history from Roman times up to the medieval period. The excavation started after the cathedral was rebuilt following the 2019 fire and has revealed many ancient objects such as coins and pottery fragments.Key Facts
- The dig is located beneath Notre Dame Cathedral's courtyard in Paris.
- Excavation began after the cathedral was restored and reopened in late 2024.
- Archaeologists are digging about 4 meters (13 feet) underground.
- They have found hundreds of items, including a coin from the 4th century showing Emperor Constantine’s face.
- Medieval pottery with unknown markings has also been discovered.
- The excavation site is a large open pit with barriers and a wooden walkway near the tourist line.
- Paris plans to add trees and shade in the area, but only after the archaeological work is finished.
- The findings give insight into Paris’s history going back 2,000 years to Roman times.
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