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A simple restoration at the Church of Saint Philibert in France led archaeologists to a forgotten staircase that revealed a 400-year-old tomb, ancient coins, rosaries and XNUMXth-century sarcophagi, transforming the site into a true portal to history.
Imagine stumbling upon a forgotten staircase and discovering secrets from centuries ago. That’s exactly what happened at the Church of Saint Philibert in Dijon, France, where archaeologists discovered a 400-year-old tomb. What began as a simple restoration project turned into an extraordinary journey through time.
The Church of Saint Philibert: A Treasure of Lost Stories
Built in the second half of the 12th century, the Church of Saint Philibert is a landmark of medieval architecture. Over the centuries, the site has accumulated stories and layers, each reflecting social changes and cultural aspects of the time.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the church was used as a salt deposit, causing structural damage that, decades later, would require urgent restoration. However, it was precisely this process that opened doors to new discoveries.
A reckless decision in the 70s
In the 1970s, a concrete slab was installed for heating, sealing the salt-rich soil. The heating caused damage, but it also “hid” a staircase that led to a forgotten world beneath the church.
While exploring the site, archaeologists came across a staircase that no one knew existed. This staircase led to a tomb containing coffins of children and adults, wrapped in simple shrouds. Among the remains, ancient coins and rosaries were found, connecting past and present in a surprising way.
Impressive discoveries underground by archaeologists
The burial site revealed simple but significant burial practices dating back 400 years. This discovery has brought to light stories of lives that would otherwise have been forgotten forever.
Further down, archaeologists have found sarcophagi from Late Antiquity and the Merovingian period. One of the most impressive pieces included a carved lid, indicating the importance of the place as a funeral center.
The meaning of the discoveries
Evidence shows that the church served as an important burial site throughout several eras, from the late Roman era to the High Middle Ages. This highlights its historical and cultural significance.
The discoveries already made are impressive, but the potential for uncovering more buried secrets is enormous. Who knows what else the depths of this church still hold?
The story of the forgotten staircase at Saint Philibert Church is a reminder of how the past can be hidden right beneath our feet. Discoveries like this not only reveal ancient secrets, but they also connect us with our own cultural roots. After all, each layer of history unearthed is a new piece in the great puzzle of our past.
