Notre-Dame Cathedral, the iconic symbol of Paris, has been undergoing significant restoration following the devastating fire of April 15, 2019. This monumental effort not only involves rebuilding the cathedral but also conducting extensive archaeological excavations around the site. These excavations have led to remarkable discoveries, including the potential identification of human remains believed to belong to the renowned Renaissance poet Joachim du Bellay.
After the fire, which caused extensive damage to the cathedral’s roof and spire, archaeologists took the opportunity to investigate the ground beneath the historic structures. During these digs, they unearthed various artifacts and burial sites. According to reports from Fox News, more than 100 burials have been identified, providing insights not only about the cathedral's history but also about the people who contributed to its legacy.
Among the most intriguing finds is one of two lead sarcophagi discovered beneath the transept. One of these sarcophagi has been linked to Antoine de La Porte, who served as canon of Notre-Dame and died in 1710. The identity of the second individual, believed to be du Bellay, was hypothesized following detailed biological analysis.
Joachim du Bellay, who passed away around 1560 at the age of about 37, was one of the founders of La Pleiade, a group of poets who promoted the use of the French language for poetry, marking a significant shift from Latin. Historically, du Bellay was buried within the cathedral, but the precise location of his grave had always remained unclear. Archaeologists matched the skeletal remains found inside the second lead coffin to du Bellay due to several compelling pieces of evidence.
First, the analysis indicated the age of the individual at death was around 35 years, aligning with records of du Bellay’s life. Further examinations revealed the remains exhibited signs of bone tuberculosis and chronic meningitis, afflictions documented within du Bellay’s medical history. The research team, including Professor Éric Crubézy from Toulouse 3 University, identified these medical anomalies as significant indicators confirming the identity of the remains.
Adding to this narrative, the skeletal structure suggested extensive horse riding, which coincides with du Bellay's lifestyle — he was known for making the arduous walk from Paris to Rome on horseback. This correlation provides not just historical but also anecdotal evidence supporting the identification of the remains.
Although it was long known from records where du Bellay was supposed to be interred, the recent findings give rise to questions about how and why his remains ended up beneath the transept instead of the originally designated burial site. Possible theories suggest his body may have been relocated at some point after he gained fame, especially following the posthumous acclaim from his works.
Du Bellay’s poetry continues to resonate today, with pieces like Heureux qui comme Ulysse (Happy he who like Ulysses), reflecting themes of nostalgia and the longing for one's homeland, still being studied and celebrated in French literature classes. His contributions to the French language and poetry remain pivotal, marking him as one of the important literary figures of the Renaissance.
The restoration of Notre-Dame serves not just as rebuilding the structure but offers full reinvention and discovery of the layers of history embedded within its walls. The artifacts discovered during the archaeological process will be showcased at an exhibition slated for November, coinciding with the much-anticipated reopening of the cathedral.
This blend of historical preservation and archaeological excavation has created unique opportunities for researchers and the public to engage with the past more meaningfully. Each find offers glimpses not just of the structure itself but of the people who frequented the site, their lives, and how they influenced cultural and literary developments.
With Notre-Dame Cathedral set to reopen soon, the stories unearthed from beneath its foundations — highlighted by this significant discovery — will enrich the narrative of one of the world’s most famous and beloved churches. The investigations and restoration work continue to transform, not only Notre-Dame but also our understandings of its long and storied past.
