Mystery Sarcophagus Found Below Notre Dame to Be Opened ‘Very Soon’

After Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral suffered a devastating hearth in 2019, an archeological excavation was ordered earlier than full restoration may start. In March, a month after the archeological survey started, it was revealed that the Nationwide Institute for Preventive Archaeological Analysis had found a sarcophagus courting again to the 14th century.

Now, we’re about to seek out out what’s inside. French archaeologists stated Thursday they will be opening the sarcophagus “very quickly” after inspecting it utilizing an endoscopic digicam. In keeping with Phys.org, the digicam revealed the highest half of a skeleton, a pillow, cloth and unidentified objects.

Carbon courting could possibly be used to find out the age of the skeleton, the report stated, whereas scientists may also be capable to determine its gender and former well being.

Learn additionally: A Visible Historical past of Notre Dame de Paris

It is possible that the sarcophagus incorporates the stays of a excessive dignitary, given the significance of their ultimate resting place, in line with the Nationwide Institute for Preventive Archaeological Analysis.

“The whole right-of-way is roofed by a stone ground, dated no later than XVIII century. It contains many burials and relies on ranges of occupation courting from the XIV century,” stated the institute’s March press launch describing the discovering. “Among the many graves uncovered, a totally preserved anthropomorphic sarcophagus manufactured from lead was uncovered.”