20‑metre ancient wall found at heart of Paris, linked to Lutetia
A roughly 20‑metre wall from the Gallic period was found beneath the Hôtel-Dieu courtyard near Notre‑Dame; charred remains and a spearhead were also recovered.
Archaeologists working in central Paris have uncovered the remains of an ancient wall believed to be part of the Gallic fortification of Lutetia, the settlement that later evolved into the modern French capital.
The wall, about 20 metres long, was found in the courtyard of the Hôtel-Dieu hospital on the Île de la Cité, very close to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Excavations at the site began in February this year as part of the hospital complex's reconstruction.
Construction and associated finds
Experts say the structure is built of stone and wood, with construction techniques typical of Gallic fortifications from the Iron Age. Archaeologists also uncovered traces of an intense fire, charred seeds, remains of a burnt wooden building and a Gallic spearhead.
The finds suggest a settlement layer and violent episode that can shed light on the early urban development of Lutetia. The combination of organic remains and weaponry gives researchers material for dating and for reconstructing the site's function and fate.
The discovery came during routine archaeological work linked to the Hôtel-Dieu renovation project. Because the hospital stands on one of Paris's oldest inhabited islands, any subsurface find there has the potential to alter understandings of the city's origins.
The French Ministry of Culture described the discovery as extremely significant for understanding the origins of Paris. Researchers say the new evidence is particularly interesting in light of descriptions left by Julius Caesar about Gallic settlements and fortifications.
Photo: INRAP)
