The team from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) has uncovered around 50 tombs dating back to the 1st to 4th centuries AD.
Researchers were already aware that an ancient Gallic tribe known as the Parisii inhabited this area during the Roman Empire. However, little was known about this settlement along the banks of the Seine until now. During archaeological work preceding the construction of a new exit at the Port-Royal station, investigators unearthed numerous remnants of the Saint-Jacques necropolis.
According to archaeologists and anthropologists at INRAP, these unique findings could shed light on the burial traditions of the ancient city of Lutetia, which once stood here before the current French capital.
Dominique Garcia, president of INRAP, stated that the discovered burials open “a window into the world of ancient Paris.”
What Researchers Have Learned
The Saint-Jacques necropolis was first encountered by researchers in the early 19th century. At that time, they conducted a rather hasty examination of the ancient cemetery’s remains. Archaeologists of that era were primarily interested in valuable artifacts, often overlooking bones and burial items. This site was forgotten for nearly two centuries, and even the construction of the RER railway line in the 1970s did little to promote its study.
Current plans for the development of Paris’s urban infrastructure have allowed for the rediscovery and investigation of the Saint-Jacques necropolis.
According to the INRAP team, the 50 tombs contained remains of both adults and children. The presence of nails indicates that the deceased were buried in wooden coffins, which have since decayed over time. Researchers also found remnants of shoes with studded soles, which were buried alongside the deceased.
Half of the graves contained burial inventory, including ceramic and glass vessels. In the mouth of one skeleton, researchers discovered a coin, as reported by Smithsonian Magazine. This coin served as a sort of payment to Charon—the ferryman of the dead from Greek mythology, who transported souls across the River Styx. Experts dated the coin to the 2nd century AD.
Researchers noted that the necropolis covered an area of about four hectares and ceased to be used for burials in the 4th century.
The French Ministry of Culture pointed out that there were several necropolises in Lutetia, but only one—the largest—has been discovered so far.
It contains a wealth of information about the Gauls, noted leading anthropologist at INRAP, Camille Colonna. She believes that the numerous findings will help scientists understand the traditions of the ancient inhabitants of this region through their burial rites. By studying the DNA of those buried here, researchers will gain insights into the prevalent diseases of that time.