Ancient wall found beneath Paris could confirm site of first settlement
Discovery of Gallo-Roman period structure hailed as ‘major breakthrough’ by French culture ministry
TL;DR
- A roughly 20-meter section of wall from the Gallo-Roman period has been discovered in Paris.
- The find is located on the Île de la Cité, near Notre Dame Cathedral.
- It is believed to be a fragment of the ramparts of Lutetia, the ancient name for Paris.
- The discovery could confirm the Île de la Cité as the site of the original settlement.
- Traces of fire on the wall correspond to historical accounts of the Gauls setting fire to their town before a battle with the Romans.
- Carbon dating of charred evidence places the find between 200BC and 10BC.