Paris archaeologists find wall linking to Caesar’s Gallic Wars
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Archaeologists in Paris, France, uncovered an ancient stone and timber wall during excavations for a redevelopment project near Notre Dame Cathedral.
The French Ministry of Culture announced the discovery, which may be part of Lutetia, a settlement Julius Caesar described in his writings on the Gallic Wars. Researchers initially expected to find medieval remains, but instead found fortifications characteristic of ancient Gallic construction.
The wall, approximately 66 feet long, shows evidence of fire damage and dates to between 200 B.C. and 10 B.C. based on radiocarbon testing of wooden elements. Archaeologists believe the structure was a defensive fortification built by the Parisii tribe, who reportedly burned their settlement in 52 B.C. to prevent its capture by Roman forces. Because of the ongoing redevelopment, officials will dismantle the wall and reconstruct a section using original stones for display in a Paris museum.
Researchers intend to continue excavations at the site to further investigate the wall’s age, purpose, and any remains buried nearby, hoping to confirm the location of Lutetia and fill a gap in the archaeological record.
