French Dig Students Discover Archaeologist’s 200-Year-Old Note
By Jill Dando News
Students volunteers found more than they bargained for during an archaeological dig in Northern France.
In an incredible twist of fate, they unearthed a message from the past, bringing a 200 year gap in archaeological history.
The discovery occurred when the team, sifting through the remains of an ancient settlement perched on cliff-tops in northern France, stumbled upon an earthenware pot containing a small glass flask.
Inside the bottle was a message on paper, rolled up and tied with string.
The next day Mr Blondel opened the paper – which read as follows:
“P.J Féret, a native of Dieppe, member of various intellectual societies, carried out excavations here in January 1825. He continues his investigations in this vast area known as the Cité de Limes or Caesar’s Camp.”
Féret was a local notable, and municipal records confirm that he conducted a first dig at the site 200 years ago.
"It was an absolutely magic moment," Blondel told the BBC.
"We knew there had been excavations here in the past, but to find this message from 200 years ago… it was a total surprise.
“Sometimes you see these time capsules left behind by carpenters when they build houses. But it’s very rare in archaeology. Most archaeologists prefer to think that there won’t be anyone coming after them because they’ve done all the work!”
The true treasure, however, lay within the bottle - a carefully preserved message on paper, rolled and secured with string. On Tuesday evening, Blondel unfurled the note, revealing its contents:
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