In the heart of Paris, a centuries-old literary enigma may be on the brink of resolution, thanks to groundbreaking archaeological work at the Notre Dame cathedral. The final resting place of Joachim de Bellay, a prominent French Renaissance poet, has long eluded scholars and historians. Now, recent excavations in the wake of the devastating 2019 fire have unearthed puzzled clues that could finally put this mystery to rest.
What is this mystery all about?
De Bellay, a pivotal figure in the literary circle La Pleiade, passed away in 1560 at the young age of 37. His family had requested his interment in Notre Dame’s Saint-Crepin chapel. However, during renovations in 1758, all traces of his tomb vanished, leaving researchers baffled for generations.
The breakthrough came in 2022 when archaeologists, combing through the fire-damaged cathedral, uncovered two tombs at the building’s crossing. While one was swiftly identified as belonging to Antoine de La Porte, a clergyman from the early 18th century, the occupant of the second tomb remained a mystery for everyone.
Here’s what archaeologist says:
Employing cutting-edge analytical techniques, scientists began piecing together a compelling case for de Bellay’s identity. Dr Eric Cubrezy, an archaeologist involved in the project, noted a telling deformation in the skeleton’s iliac bone, indicative of frequent horseback riding.
Speaking to the reporters about the excavation, Cubrezy said, “De Bellay was a skilled rider, he went from Paris to Rome on horseback.”
Interestingly, some evidence even included signs of an autopsy and embalming process, consistent with de Bellay’s known post-mortem treatment. That’s not it, the traces of rare bone tuberculosis leading to chronic meningitis aligned perfectly with the poet’s documented medical history.
Le Monde hails this discovery!
Seeing this keen over the mystery, the renowned French newspaper ‘Le Monde’ hailed this discovery as the “most spectacular result” of the post-fire Notre Dame excavations, likening the centuries-old puzzle to a “cold case” finally nearing resolution.
Despite the mounting evidence, lead archaeologist Christophe Besnier urged caution, stating, “There are still some doubts.” This measured approach underscores the rigorous standards of modern archaeology, even in the face of such promising findings.
As the restoration of Notre Dame continues, this potential discovery adds a new layer of historical significance to the beloved cathedral. If confirmed, it would not only solve a longstanding mystery but also reconnect modern France with one of its most celebrated Renaissance voices, bridging the gap between past and present in the very stones of Paris’s most famous church.
