Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Ancient Wall Discovery May Pinpoint Origin of Paris

Archaeologists in Paris have unearthed a section of an ancient wall on the Île de la Cité, a discovery that could confirm the location of Lutetia, the Iron Age settlement that predated the modern city.

The 66-foot-long wall, found during excavations for hospital construction, is believed to be part of Lutetia's defensive fortifications. Alongside the wall, researchers found a platform, a Gallic spearhead, charred seeds, and remnants of a burned wooden building, consistent with historical accounts of the settlement's destruction.

Lutetia was established by the Gallic Parisii tribe around the 3rd century B.C.E. and conquered by Julius Caesar in 52 B.C.E. Caesar described Lutetia as being on an island in the Seine, a detail that has been debated by historians due to previous archaeological findings elsewhere.

Initial carbon dating places the wall's construction between 200 B.C.E. and 10 B.C.E., aligning with Lutetia's timeline. While the findings strongly suggest this is the origin of Paris, further research is needed for definitive proof.

The excavation area is limited to ongoing renovations, potentially slowing further discoveries. A replica of the fragile wall will be created for museum display, and a 3D digital model will be made available to the public.

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