Archaeologists at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris have found several tombs and a leaden sarcophagus dating from the 14th century.
The culture ministry announced late Monday that the ancient church's spire at the central spot where the transept crosses the nave had been unearthed.
The sarcophagus was completely preserved and made of lead.
Julien DeRosa is a reporter for the Associated Press.
The coffin is thought to have been made for a senior dignitary in the 1300s.
The tombs and painted sculptures were found just beneath the current floor level of the cathedral, which was built in the 13th century.
Archaeologists were cleaning and excavating sculptures from the ground, including a pair of carved hands, during a visit by Agence France-Presse on Tuesday.
Julien DeRosa is a reporter for the Associated Press.
The bust of a bearded man and some sculpted vegetables had been removed.
The team used a mini camera to look inside the sarcophagus, which appeared to be warped by the weight of the earth and stones.
When religious leaders are buried, you can see pieces of fabric, hair and a pillow of leaves on top of their heads.
The fact that these plant elements are still inside means the body is in a good state of preservation.
An aerial view of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. Bertrand Guay is a journalist.
The National Institute of Archaeological Research stated that the discovery will improve our understanding of funeral practices in the Middle Ages.
As teams prepared to rebuild the spire, they needed to check the stability of the ground.
The sarcophagus was found among the brick pipes of the underground heating system from the 19th century.
The clock is running for the archaeologists despite the excitement of the find.
They have been given until March 25 to finish their work so that the cathedral can reopen in 2024.
Agence France-Presse
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