Scientists told who was buried in lead sarcophagi under Notre Dame

In March of this year, during the reconstruction of the Paris Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris after the fire of 2019, archaeologists discovered two lead sarcophagi. Only now scientists have announced who exactly was buried there.

The sarcophagi contain the remains of two wealthy men: a church leader who probably suffered "disease of kings”, and a young and noble nobleman, but with a rather difficult fate.

Eric Kroubezi, professor of biological anthropology at the University of Toulouse, supervised the autopsy sarcophagi last month and studied the bones to learn more about the age at death and the image men's lives. According to him words, the first subject was identified by a brass plaque on the coffin. It was inscribed: Antoine de la Porte, who died at the age of 83 on December 24, 1710.

De la Porte was a member of the clergy and was in charge of the cathedral. He used his wealth to help the Notre Dame choir, which may explain his burial under the central spire, a place reserved for the resting place of the elite.

Krubezi said that the canon's teeth were in excellent shape, but there was almost no sign of physical activity on his body, which means that the man probably led a sedentary lifestyle. Although the man's big toe showed signs of gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis.

The second lead sarcophagus did not have a name plate, so its occupant remains unknown at the moment. This man was between 25 and 40 years old at the time of his death. “He shows signs of riding from a young age,” said Kroubesi, “and he lost most of his teeth in the years and months leading up to his death.”

More intriguing was the practice of posthumous burial of an unknown man. Although the man's hair was not preserved, the researchers found leaves and flowers around his head and on his stomach. The horseman's skull was sawn off and his chest opened for embalming. This was a common practice in the nobility after the mid-16th century, added Krubezi.

Additional research in the coming months will focus on learning more about the geographic origins of men and their diets. This information can provide additional information about their lifestyle and death. The final results of these analyzes are expected in early to mid-2023.