Archaeologist Believes D'Artagnan Remains Found in Maastricht

An independent archaeologist believes he has discovered the remains of the legendary French musketeer D'Artagnan in a Dutch church, potentially solving a centuries-old mystery.

Discovery in Maastricht

• The skeleton was found buried in a tomb opposite the altar of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Maastricht, Netherlands.
• It was accompanied by a musket ball and a small bronze coin minted in 1660.

Historical Alignment

• Historical records indicate that D'Artagnan, whose full name was Charles de Batz de Castelmore, died from a musket shot to the throat during the French siege of Maastricht in 1673.
• The siege was part of the Franco-Dutch War, a conflict over French expansion into the Spanish Netherlands.
• D'Artagnan was later immortalized in Alexandre Dumas's 1844 novel The Three Musketeers and various adaptations.

Research Background

• Archaeologist Wim Dijkman, a former city archaeologist of Maastricht, had sought permission for excavations for about 25 years after meeting French historian Odile Bordaz, a D'Artagnan specialist.
• Bordaz argued that D'Artagnan was likely buried near the French camp rather than being transported to France for King Louis XIV to attend the burial.

Scientific Verification

• Dijkman plans to conduct DNA tests to compare the skeleton with alleged descendants of D'Artagnan.
• Strontium isotope analysis will determine the region where the individual was born.
• Dijkman stated, "I am very sure," but emphasized the need for scientific confirmation: "I am a scientist. I am an archaeologist. I want to be as sure as possible."

Reactions and Cautions

• Jos Valke, deacon of the church, noted that a letter about D'Artagnan's death indicated he was buried in consecrated ground, and the altar location is highly sacred.
• Valke told Reuters, "If you add it all up, it seems plausible. But of course, nothing is certain yet."
• The evidence is considered probable but not conclusive by church authorities and experts.