Archaeological excavations at Notre Dame reveal Roman and medieval artifacts

Archaeologists are conducting excavations four meters beneath the forecourt of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as part of a square redevelopment project. The project follows the 2019 fire, with the cathedral scheduled to reopen in late 2024. Municipal authorities plan to redesign the area with increased greenery before the site reopens to the public. The excavation, which French media have described as the "find of the century," aims to document the historical layers of Paris. Researchers have discovered hundreds of items, including a 4th-century coin featuring Emperor Constantine and fragments of medieval ceramics with undeciphered symbols. Conservator Lucie Altenburg noted the site provides a rare opportunity to enhance the historical understanding of the city.