France Notre Dame Underground Treasures

Archaeological workers wearing hard hats dig 4 meters (13 feet) underground during excavations outside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Monday, June 1, 2026.

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AP exclusive: Under Notre Dame cathedral, a 'dig of the century' unearths 1,700 years of history

AP exclusive: Under Notre Dame cathedral, a 'dig of the century' unearths 1,700 years of history

Archaeologists are digging beneath Notre Dame cathedral to explore as far back as Roman Paris from 2,000 years ago. The excavation started after the cathedral was rebuilt following the 2019 fire. The dig has uncovered hundreds of objects, including a fourth-century coin and a medieval jug with undeciphered markings. The site reveals layers of history, from medieval Paris to Roman times. The excavation is part of a project to beautify the area, which should be completed by 2028, providing shade for tourists visiting the cathedral.