Agency Report

Several tombs and a leaden sarcophagus likely dating from the 14th century have been uncovered by archaeologists at Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral following its devastating 2019 fire, France’s culture ministry has said.

The burial sites “of remarkable scientific quality” were unearthed during preparatory work for rebuilding the ancient church’s spire at the central spot where the transept crosses the nave, the ministry said on Monday.

Among the tombs was the “completely preserved, human-shaped sarcophagus made of lead,” it added.

The coffin might have been made for “a senior dignitary” and likely dated from the 1300s — the century following the cathedral’s construction.