50 graves have been excavated at a 2,000-year-old Gallic cemetery on Paris’ Left Bank, near what was the ancient city of Lutetia.

PARIS, FRANCE—In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a 2,000-year-old Gallic cemetery has been unearthed in Paris, on the Left Bank, near the ancient city of Lutetia. According to France 24, this necropolis was initially discovered in the 19th century but was eventually forgotten over time. However, during recent construction work to add a new exit to the Port-Royal train station, archaeologists from France’s National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) rediscovered an untouched section of the burial site, offering a rare and invaluable glimpse into the funerary practices of the ancient Parisii people.

So far, archaeologists have excavated 50 graves, all of which contain signs of traditional burial rites. Nails found in the soil indicate that the deceased were buried in wooden coffins, which have long since decayed. Smaller nails found near the feet of many skeletons suggest that the dead were laid to rest wearing shoes. The presence of these items points to well-organized burial practices, possibly influenced by Roman customs of the time.

Among the most significant findings was a second-century A.D. coin placed in the mouth of one of the skeletons. INRAP anthropologist Camille Colonna explained that this practice was rooted in ancient beliefs associated with the journey to the afterlife. The coin was likely an offering to Charon, the mythological ferryman who transported souls across the River Styx to the underworld. This ritual, known as Charon’s obol, was common in Greco-Roman funeral traditions and suggests a blending of cultural influences within the Gallic community of ancient Lutetia.

In addition to human remains, the graves contained a variety of artifacts that provide insight into the daily lives and social customs of the Parisii people. Excavators uncovered ceramic jugs and goblets, possibly used for funerary offerings or rituals. Jewelry, including rings, beads, and hairpins, was also found, indicating that both men and women were buried with personal adornments. Some graves contained belt buckles and other small metal accessories, further emphasizing the careful preparation that went into these burials.

These findings suggest that the individuals interred in the cemetery may have belonged to a relatively affluent segment of Gallic society, as the presence of grave goods often indicates a level of status or wealth. Moreover, the variety of items hints at a complex funerary tradition that merged local customs with those introduced by the expanding Roman Empire.

The necropolis is located near the ancient city of Lutetia, which was the capital of the Parisii, a Gallic tribe that inhabited the region before and during the Roman conquest of Gaul. Lutetia, which would eventually evolve into modern-day Paris, was an important settlement along the Seine River, serving as a hub for trade and cultural exchange.

By the time the cemetery was in use, Lutetia had been fully integrated into the Roman Empire, and its population was experiencing significant cultural shifts. The presence of Roman-style grave goods and burial practices alongside indigenous Gallic traditions in this necropolis provides evidence of this period of transition. The cemetery likely served a community that had adopted many aspects of Roman life while still preserving elements of their own heritage.

The rediscovery of this ancient burial ground is an important contribution to the study of Paris’ early history. INRAP researchers plan to continue excavations in hopes of uncovering additional graves and artifacts. Analysis of the skeletal remains will provide further insights into the health, diet, and demographics of Lutetia’s inhabitants, helping historians better understand the daily lives of the people who lived in the city nearly 2,000 years ago.

Given the cemetery’s location in the heart of modern Paris, further archaeological investigations may be limited by urban development. However, researchers are determined to document and preserve as much information as possible before construction resumes. The findings from this site will be carefully studied, and some of the artifacts may eventually be displayed in museums, offering the public a rare glimpse into the ancient past of the city.