The fire that devastated Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019 was a moment of global heartbreak. Flames engulfed one of the world’s most beloved landmarks, threatening centuries of history.
But in the aftermath of destruction, a new story began to unfold — one that no one could have anticipated.
During the five-year restoration effort, archaeologists were granted a rare chance to excavate beneath the cathedral, something that would have been unthinkable before the blaze.
What they discovered added new chapters to Notre Dame’s already rich history.
1,000 artifacts unearthed
Beginning in February 2022, excavation teams worked under French laws that allow for archaeological study before construction projects.
The digging was shallow, just 16 inches beneath the stone floor, but what they uncovered was extraordinary.
According to Artnews over 1,000 artifacts were unearthed, from medieval artwork to structural elements that revealed how the cathedral was built.
They found more than 100 graves, adding to Notre Dame’s long burial record.
Among these was a lead sarcophagus, thought to belong to 16th-century poet Joachim du Bellay. Scattered bones and coffins were also uncovered, though many remain unidentified.
One of the most stunning discoveries was a 13th-century rood screen, a decorative partition that once separated the choir from the sanctuary.
Fragments of limestone statues, including a life-sized depiction of Christ, were also unearthed, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the Middle Ages.
The excavation provided insight into how the cathedral was constructed. Charred beams revealed that 100-year-old oaks were felled and transported by river to form the structure.
Iron clamps, some from the 1160s, showed how stone blocks were bound together. Even pillars hidden beneath the floor were discovered, connected by long beams to distribute the building’s immense weight.
As the cathedral reopens on December 8, visitors will marvel at its grandeur. But they’ll also walk above hidden treasures that tell the story of resilience — not just of Notre Dame but of the people who built, rebuilt, and continue to preserve it.
