Archaeologists made an unexpected discovery in the heart of Paris — near Notre-Dame Cathedral, remnants of a massive wall approximately two thousand years old have been found. Scientists believe that the discovery could put an end to the long-standing debate about the location of the oldest settlement on the site of the French capital.
An ancient structure was discovered underground on the Île de la Cité during construction and renovation work. The wall is made of processed stone and reinforced with massive oak elements. According to preliminary estimates by specialists, the structure dates back to the early Gallic-Roman period.
The find is of particular interest due to the long-standing debate about the exact location of the settlement of the Parisii — a Celtic tribe, from which the name Paris is derived.
Some researchers believed that the original settlement was located not on the Île de la Cité, but significantly further west — in the area of modern Nanterre. However, the ancient fortification discovered in the historical center of the city may serve as additional evidence supporting the theory of an important settlement directly on the Seine.
Another mystery is the noticeable traces of fire on the ancient masonry. Radiocarbon dating of the charred wood and organic materials preliminarily dates them to the period between the 1st century BC and the early decades of our era.
These dates are of particular interest to archaeologists, as they are close to the time of the Roman conquest of Gaul. According to ancient sources, during the struggle against the troops of Julius Caesar, the Gauls set fire to Lutetia to prevent the city from falling into enemy hands.
Now specialists will need to study the soil layers, fragments of ceramics, wood, and other items found at the excavation site in detail. Further research is expected to help more accurately determine the age of the structure and understand what function it served.
The authorities of Paris are also considering the possibility of preserving part of the excavation and making it accessible to the public in the future.
If the dating and purpose of the wall are confirmed, the find could add important details to the history of the emergence of Paris. It turns out that literally beneath the streets of the modern metropolis, evidence of events that took place here two thousand years ago is still hidden.
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