Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration Nears Completion, Unveiling Ancient Secrets

The extensive restoration project at Notre Dame Cathedral since the devastating 2019 fire has unearthed thousands of ancient findings, including 100 burials and two lead sarcophagi. Archaeologists have recently hypothesized that one of the sarcophagi contains the remains of the renowned French poet Joachim du Bellay, based on compelling evidence such as his medical history and equestrian lifestyle.

Since the catastrophic fire that ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 2019, an ambitious restoration project has been meticulously underway. Beyond the painstaking rebuilding process, archaeologists have been meticulously exploring the site, unearthing a treasure trove of ancient discoveries. While these unearthed artifacts often provide glimpses into the past, they also pose intriguing riddles that require further investigation to unravel their enigmatic stories.

Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration Nears Completion, Unveiling Ancient Secrets

Amidst the archaeological excavations, researchers have meticulously identified 100 burials within the cathedral's hallowed grounds. In a captivating discovery in 2022, archaeologists stumbled upon two lead sarcophagi beneath the transept crossing. These elaborate containers, once reserved for the interment of high-ranking individuals, hinted at the presence of notable figures resting within.

One of the sarcophagi yielded the remains of Antoine de La Porte, a revered canon of the cathedral who passed away in 1710. However, the identity of the individual interred in the second sarcophagus remained elusive until recently.

Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration Nears Completion, Unveiling Ancient Secrets

In a groundbreaking hypothesis, archaeologists have now proposed that this unidentified individual could be the renowned French poet Joachim du Bellay, who breathed his last in 1560. This remarkable assumption stems from a compelling body of evidence.

Through meticulous autopsy, researchers determined that the individual suffered from bone tuberculosis and chronic meningitis, ailments that plagued du Bellay throughout his life. Furthermore, the structure of the femur indicated that the individual spent considerable time on horseback, a detail that resonates with du Bellay's equestrian pursuits.

Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration Nears Completion, Unveiling Ancient Secrets

Additional corroborating evidence emerged from Éric Crubézy, professor of biological anthropology at Toulouse 3 University. Crubézy's team meticulously examined the remains and concluded that the individual closely matches the poet's physical profile.

"He exhibits all the characteristics: he is a skilled horseman, suffers from both conditions mentioned in his poems, like in 'The Complaint of the Despairing,' where he describes 'this storm that blurs (his) mind,' and his family belonged to the royal court and the pope's close entourage," Crubézy explained.

Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration Nears Completion, Unveiling Ancient Secrets

Despite the compelling evidence, some researchers remain skeptical. Christophe Besnier, an INRAP archaeologist and excavation leader, expressed reservations based on isotope analysis of the teeth, which suggests that the individual spent his early years in the Paris region or Rhône-Alpes, rather than Anjou, where du Bellay grew up.

Besnier also noted that the absence of du Bellay's remains during previous excavations in 1758 does not definitively rule out his burial in the cathedral. The mystery surrounding the true identity of the second individual remains a subject of ongoing research.

Notre Dame Cathedral Restoration Nears Completion, Unveiling Ancient Secrets

As the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral nears its December 2024 target date, the excavation efforts continue to unearth valuable insights into the rich history of the iconic landmark. Over 50 archaeologists have meticulously worked on 14 operations across the site, uncovering a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of this architectural masterpiece.