'Major breakthrough': Ancient wall discovery points to origins of first Paris settlement

Updated: 28/09/2026 - 13:41 GMT+2 A 2,000 year old wall has been found in Paris which could redefine the history of the French capital's Gallic origins. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The discovery of the 20-metre long rampart beneath Hotel-Dieu hospital has been hailed as a "major breakthrough" by the French Culture Ministry. The find, near Notre Dame Cathedral suggests, for the first time, that Gallic Lutetia was located on the Île de la Cité, in the heart of the capital, and not in Nanterre, a westerly lying suburb. Archaeologist believe the stone-and-wood structure is the remains of a stronghold dating back to the Gallo-Roman period when Paris was known as Lutetia before its conquest by Julius Caesar's forces in 52 BC. The wall was unearthed in July during the course of excavations but only made public last week.