Following the devastating fire, archaeologists conducting a dig in the ruins of Notre Dame cathedral unearthed significant historical artifacts.
Major Discovery: Rood Screen Fragments
Among the most notable finds were a row of limestone statue fragments. These remarkable pieces are believed to have once been an integral part of Notre-Dame's "rood screen."
Understanding the Rood Screen
The rood screen was a crucial architectural element within the cathedral, serving both functional and symbolic purposes:
- Structure: It was a 13-foot-high ornate wooden divide.
- Function: Its primary role was to conceal the cathedral's choir and sanctuary from the aisles, creating a distinct separation between different areas of the sacred space.
- Historical Significance: Rood screens were common features in medieval churches, often richly decorated with carvings and statues, like the limestone figures discovered. Their presence helped define the spiritual hierarchy and spatial organization within the cathedral, guiding the flow of worship and processions.
The discovery of these fragments provides invaluable insights into the original design and artistic grandeur of Notre Dame before centuries of alterations and the recent fire. It allows historians and archaeologists to piece together aspects of the cathedral's past, revealing its intricate beauty and architectural evolution.
