Archaeologists Discover 200-Year-Old Note in Northern France

A group of student volunteers on an archaeological dig in northern France made a surprising discovery this week. While excavating the remains of a Gaulish village on cliffs near Dieppe, they found an earthenware pot containing a small glass flask.

“This type of vial was commonly worn by women to hold smelling salts,” explained Guillaume Blondel, the team leader and head of the archaeological service for the town of Eu.

Inside the flask was a rolled-up message tied with string. When Mr. Blondel opened it on Tuesday evening, he read:

“P.J. Féret, a native of Dieppe and member of several intellectual societies, conducted excavations here in January 1825. He continues his investigations in this extensive area known as the Cité de Limes, or Caesar’s Camp.”

Féret was a prominent local figure, and municipal records confirm his excavations at this site two centuries ago.

“It was truly a magical moment,” said Mr. Blondel. “We knew there had been previous excavations, but finding a message from 200 years ago was a complete surprise.

“Occasionally, you come across time capsules left by builders, but it’s rare in archaeology. Most archaeologists operate under the assumption that their work will be the last.”

The dig was initiated due to erosion threatening the site just north of Dieppe, where a significant portion of the oppidum—an ancient fortified village—has already eroded away.

“We know it was a Gaulish village, but we’re still unsure about its significance,” Mr. Blondel remarked.

Since the dig began, the team has unearthed several artifacts from the Gaulish period, primarily pieces of pottery dating back around 2,000 years.