Archaeologists are uncovering artifacts dating back up to 2,000 years [1] beneath the square in front of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The discovery provides a rare glimpse into the Roman and medieval layers of the city's foundation. Because the excavation is occurring in the heart of the Île de la Cité, it offers a direct stratigraphic record of how Paris evolved from a Roman settlement into a medieval capital.
The dig is part of a broader project to redesign the square. Officials said they intend to create more space for new trees and shade for visitors [4]. This urban renewal effort allows researchers to explore the ground beneath the cathedral, which reopened to the public in 2024 [5].
Reports on the exact age of the findings vary among sources. Some records indicate the history uncovered spans 2,000 years [1, 2], while other reports place the timeline at 1,700 years [3]. The excavation has reached a depth of 13 feet [3] to reach these ancient layers.
The team is currently documenting various Roman and medieval artifacts found within the soil. These materials help map the early layout of the city, and the structures that preceded the current cathedral. The work has been ongoing through 2024 and 2025 [4].
By integrating archaeological preservation with modern landscaping, the city is attempting to balance the needs of contemporary tourism with the preservation of historic heritage. The findings continue to be analyzed as the excavation progresses in the square.
“Archaeologists are uncovering artifacts dating back up to 2,000 years”
This excavation demonstrates the intersection of urban development and historical preservation. By utilizing a landscaping project to trigger an archaeological survey, Paris is recovering data on its Roman origins that would otherwise remain buried. The discrepancy in the dating of the artifacts—ranging from 1,700 to 2,000 years—suggests that the site contains a complex sequence of habitation that spans the transition from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages.
