The haunting history of the Paris Catacombs

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Stephanie H. Smith |

TED-Ed

• April 2026

For centuries, Parisians had buried their dead in the Cemetery of the Innocents. By the 18th century, the grounds had become overcrowded — spewing foul odors across the city. Residents worried that it posed a public health threat, and petitioned the government for a solution. But where could they move millions of remains? Stephanie H. Smith explores the vast, underground network of the Catacombs. [Directed by Laura Jayne Hodkin, narrated by Adrian Dannatt, music by Cem Misirlioglu, Brooks Ball].