Ancient wall found beneath Paris could confirm site of first settlement - The Guardian

An ancient wall discovered beneath Paris has been hailed as a significant archaeological breakthrough by France's culture ministry. This find could potentially confirm the location of the city’s original settlement. A stretch of wall, approximately 20 meters (65 feet) long, dating back to the Gallo-Roman period, was unearthed this summer beneath a building on the Île de la Cité, close to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

The structure, made of stone and wood, is believed to be a remnant of the ramparts of Lutetia, the ancient name for Paris, which was established by the Gallic Parisii tribe along the River Seine during the Iron Age. Historically, the Île de la Cité has been considered the center of Lutetia; however, some archaeological research supports an alternative theory suggesting that the original settlement was located in Nanterre, a suburb to the west of Paris.

Catherine Pégard, the culture minister, remarked on the discovery, stating, "We may be looking at one of the most important remains ever discovered for understanding Gallic Lutetia." She emphasized the need for scientific caution, noting that further verification of the wall's function and chronology is necessary. Nonetheless, she acknowledged that the convergence of evidence surrounding this find is particularly remarkable at this stage.

Lutetia is first mentioned in Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars, specifically in book seven, where it is described as being situated on an island in the River Seine. This vague description has led to various theories regarding its precise location. The recently uncovered wall shows signs of fire damage, which may correlate with Caesar’s account of the Gauls setting fire to their town prior to the Battle of Lutetia against the Romans.

Carbon dating of the charred remains has indicated that the wall dates back to between 200 BC and 10 BC, a period that encompasses the Battle of Lutetia, which occurred in 52 BC. The Île de la Cité, being the largest island in the Seine within the Paris region, eventually became the focal point of the Roman settlement of Lutetia.

As this discovery unfolds, it may shed light on the early history of Paris and its transformation from a Gallic settlement to a significant Roman city. The implications of this find could alter the understanding of the region's ancient past, although Paranormal Country has not confirmed these claims.