The discovery of two bodies buried in lead sarcophagi beneath the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has shed light on the lives of two prominent historical figures. The second body, which has now been identified as French aristocratic poet Joachim du Bellay, was found during a preparatory dig to repair the fire-damaged church’s spire. This discovery comes two years after the initial unearthing of the sarcophagi.
Archaeologists from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) initially discovered the two tombs in 2022. The first individual was identified as religious dignitary Antoine de la Porte, who passed away in 1710 at the age of 83. In contrast, the second individual was described as a young aristocratic cavalier, with signs of chronic tuberculous meningitis. This individual was believed to be Joachim du Bellay, who died in 1560 at the age of 37 or 38.
Further analysis conducted by the research team at the Forensic Institute of the University Hospital of Toulouse confirmed that the second body was indeed Joachim du Bellay. Professor Eric Crubézy revealed that du Bellay died of chronic tuberculous meningitis in the 16th century, making him a rare representation among the burials in the cathedral.
Interestingly, du Bellay’s preservation method differed from that of de la Porte. The poet’s skeleton was found with the top half of the skull sawed off, indicating that he underwent an autopsy before being embalmed. This unique preservation method provided valuable insights into du Bellay’s health issues, including chronic ailments and intermittent deafness.
Born into a noble family in France’s Anjou province, du Bellay played a significant role in the French Renaissance literary movement known as La Pléiade. Alongside literary figures like Pierre de Ronsard and Jean-Antoine de Baïf, du Bellay published the group’s manifesto, “Défense et illustration de la langue française,” in 1549. He is also credited with popularizing sonnet writing, particularly love sonnets, in the French language.
The discovery of Joachim du Bellay’s remains beneath the Notre Dame Cathedral offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a renowned poet and literary figure from the 16th century. As archaeologists continue to excavate and study the site, more insights into the historical significance of these burials are expected to emerge.
