Gaby
The team from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) has uncovered around 50 tombs dating back to the 1st to 4th centuries AD.
Researchers already knew that the Parisii, an ancient Gallic tribe, lived in this area during the Roman Empire. But little was known about their settlement along the banks of the Seine until now. During archaeological work before construction of a new exit at the Port-Royal station, investigators unearthed numerous remains of the Saint-Jacques necropolis.
Archaeologists and anthropologists at INRAP say these finds could shed light on the burial traditions of the ancient city of Lutetia, which stood here before modern Paris.
Dominique Garcia, president of INRAP, said the burials “open a window into the world of ancient Paris.”
What Researchers Have Learned
The Saint-Jacques necropolis was first encountered by researchers in the early 19th century. At that time, they conducted a rather hasty examination of the cemetery’s remains. Archaeologists of that era were primarily interested in valuable artifacts and often overlooked bones and grave goods. The site was then forgotten for nearly two centuries, and even construction of the RER railway line in the 1970s did little to advance its study.
Current urban development plans in Paris allowed the site to be rediscovered and investigated.
The INRAP team says the 50 tombs contained remains of both adults and children. The presence of nails indicates the deceased were buried in wooden coffins that have since decayed. Researchers also found remnants of shoes with studded soles buried alongside the bodies.
Half of the graves contained grave goods, including ceramic and glass vessels. In the mouth of one skeleton, researchers discovered a coin, as reported by Smithsonian Magazine. The coin was likely a payment to Charon—the ferryman of the dead in Greek mythology who transported souls across the River Styx. Experts dated the coin to the 2nd century AD.
INRAP said the necropolis covered about four hectares and stopped being used for burials in the 4th century.
The French Ministry of Culture said there were several necropolises in Lutetia, but only one—the largest—has been discovered so far.
Camille Colonna, a leading anthropologist at INRAP, said the site contains a wealth of information about the Gauls. She believes the numerous finds will help scientists understand the traditions of the region’s ancient inhabitants through their burial rites. By studying the DNA of those buried here, researchers expect to learn about the diseases that were prevalent at that time.
