During restoration work at Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was nearly destroyed by a fire three years ago, archaeologists uncovered two lead coffins buried beneath the nave of the cathedral for several centuries. Researchers were particularly intrigued to discover who had been laid to rest under the main church of Paris.
The findings were announced by scientists from the University of Toulouse and the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP, France). After several months of investigation, a team led by Éric Crubézy, a professor of biological anthropology, published their initial conclusions. The archaeologists revealed that they utilized medical equipment from the University of Toulouse hospital in their work. Experts determined that the coffins contained the remains of two wealthy men. Their elite status is indicated by the fact that both were found in lead coffins, as well as the prestigious burial location.
What the Researchers Discovered
In one grave, the scientists found a skeleton along with fragments of a priest’s clothing. He died in 1710. Inscriptions on the coffin revealed that the man’s name was Antoine de la Porta. At the time of his death, he was 83 years old and had connections to the leadership of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Over the past 300 years, his coffin has suffered damage. The researchers meticulously examined what remained of the priest: bones, hair on the skull and chin, and some fabric from his clothing. Analysis of the remains indicated that the man took good care of his teeth and led a sedentary lifestyle. Signs of gout were found in his remains; this condition is often referred to as the “disease of kings,” as it frequently arises from overindulgence in food and alcohol.
The second coffin contained the remains of a man of noble descent, aged between 25 and 40. Interestingly, the coffin was shaped to fit his body. While the archaeologists did not determine the wealthy man’s name, they nicknamed him “The Horseman.” This moniker arose from the analysis of the aristocrat’s pelvic bones, which indicated that he frequently rode horses. It is likely that this individual lived before the gout-afflicted priest. Experts believe that the nobleman suffered from some chronic illness and may have died from meningitis caused by tuberculosis. In this grave, researchers also found remnants of leaves and flowers, as reported by Smithsonian Magazine.
The two coffins are markedly different from one another, suggesting that the men likely lived several centuries apart.
In the course of further research, scientists hope to learn even more about these two men from the past, including their origins, dietary preferences, and the circumstances of their deaths.
Notre-Dame – A Repository of Mysteries
Three years ago, following the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral, French authorities invited INRAP archaeologists to the site of the tragedy. They were tasked with providing insights regarding the restoration of the structure and conducting excavations. During the archaeological work at the cathedral, experts discovered not only the two coffins but also sculptures and remnants of original 13th-century architecture.
Recall that in April 2019, a fire broke out in the famous Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, built in the 12th and 13th centuries. Approximately 500 firefighters worked to combat the flames, striving to save the building from destruction. However, the fire destroyed a significant portion of it.
Currently, restoration work at the cathedral is ongoing. The French hope to reopen the revitalized cultural landmark by 2024, in time for the Summer Olympics to be held in Paris.