Archaeologist may have uncovered the remains of D’Artagnan, the famed French musketeer
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- Archaeologist Wim Dijkman discovered a skeleton at St. Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht, Netherlands, believed to be that of French musketeer D’Artagnan, based on burial location and accompanying artifacts like a musket bullet and a 1660 bronze coin.
- Historical records indicate D’Artagnan died from a musket shot during the 1673 siege of Maastricht, aligning with the physical evidence found at the site.
- The discovery supports French historian Odile Bordaz’s theory that D’Artagnan was buried near the French camp rather than repatriated to France, possibly with King Louis XIV attending the burial.
- DNA testing and strontium isotope analysis are underway to confirm the identity of the remains by comparing them with alleged descendants and determining the region of birth.
- Church officials find the burial location under the altar consistent with reports of D’Artagnan’s interment in consecrated ground, though final confirmation is still pending.
